The Andhra Pradesh state cabinet has given its approval to a far-reaching infrastructure initiative that will see fire stations set up in all 175 assembly constituencies across the state. The decision, announced by the state government, marks one of the most significant expansions of fire and emergency services infrastructure in the state's history.
Home and Municipality Minister Bommireddy Narasimha Reddy confirmed the Cabinet's green signal, stating that the project was discussed in detail at a recent cabinet meeting. He emphasized that the move is aimed at ensuring rapid response times during fires, natural disasters, and other emergencies, especially in urban and semi-urban areas that have historically faced delays due to inadequate fire infrastructure.
Under the plan, new fire stations will be constructed in constituencies where none currently exist, while existing stations in larger cities will be upgraded with modern equipment and additional personnel. The government has also committed to equipping each station with contemporary firefighting vehicles, breathing apparatuses, and rescue tools. Funding for the project will be drawn from both the state budget and central schemes related to urban infrastructure and disaster management.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns about fire safety in densely populated urban areas, industrial zones, and newly developed township projects across Andhra Pradesh. In recent years, several major fires in cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati have exposed gaps in the state's fire response capabilities. Residents in many constituencies had been forced to wait considerable time for fire tenders to arrive during emergencies, sometimes leading to significant property damage and loss of life.
Officials stated that the first phase of construction will begin immediately, with priority given to high-density urban constituencies and industrial belts. The state fire services department has been directed to identify suitable plots of land for new stations and prepare detailed project reports within six weeks. Recruitment of additional firemen and technical staff will follow subsequently.
The announcement has been welcomed by opposition members and civil society groups, though some have called for transparency in tender processes and timely completion of the projects.
