Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has announced plans to establish ten new fire stations in the first phase to address the increasing demand for fire safety services in its jurisdiction.

This decision comes after years of delay in setting up new fire stations, leaving only three stations to manage emergencies in the extensive PMRDA area.

The PMRDA region covers 816 villages across nine talukas in Pune district, serving a population of approximately 73 lakh people. Despite this vast area and growing urbanization, which includes the rapid development of housing societies, commercial establishments, hotels, factories, malls, and other businesses, the region has been severely underserved in terms of fire safety infrastructure.

The shortage has often necessitated PMRDA to seek assistance from fire stations operated by MIDC, municipal corporations, and even private companies.

Currently, PMRDA operates its own fire station in Wagholi and manages additional stations located in housing societies at Nanded City and Marunji. However, the existing fire stations are insufficient to cover the entire PMRDA jurisdiction effectively, leading to delays in response times, especially in rural areas where fires in agricultural fields are also a concern.

To address this gap, PMRDA has planned to set up fire stations at ten strategic locations: Autade, Handewadi, Manjari, and Wadachiwadi in Haveli taluka; Kanhe and Patan in Maval taluka; Kedgaon in Daund taluka; Yewalewadi in Khed taluka; Dive in Purandar taluka; and Shikrapur in Shirur taluka.

Construction of a new fire station at Kasar Amboli is already underway and is expected to be operational soon. Additionally, PMRDA will ensure that all new fire stations are adequately staffed with trained personnel to handle various emergencies.

Dr. Yogesh Mhase, Commissioner of PMRDA, emphasized the importance of these new fire stations, stating, "The establishment of these fire stations will significantly enhance our capacity to respond to fires and other emergencies across the PMRDA region. We are committed to providing sufficient manpower and the necessary infrastructure to support these operations."