The Manipur Fire Service has introduced a fleet of firefighting motorbikes specially designed to navigate narrow lanes and congested areas where conventional fire engines struggle to reach.
A total of ten motorbikes have been rolled out, each equipped with a 40-litre water tank, a spray gun, and a 2-kg fire extinguisher. These agile vehicles are expected to significantly boost rapid response efforts, particularly in densely populated and traffic-choked zones like Imphal.
Fire Station Officer Kh. Surchandra Singh explained, “The Imphal region faces severe traffic congestion, and most households have three to four vehicles, making it difficult for fire engines to access certain areas. That’s why we’ve introduced firefighting motorbikes, which have proven extremely effective.”
He added, “Our infrastructure is steadily improving. Earlier, we had 62 vehicles, and now we are receiving new equipment, including four additional fire extinguishers and ten motorbikes fitted with spray gun water systems. The government’s strong support has significantly enhanced our ability to respond quickly and reduce fire damage.”
In addition to the motorbikes, the Fire Department has strengthened its fleet with four new water bowsers to ensure an uninterrupted water supply during major fire incidents. The department has also procured modern rescue equipment and exhaust fans to clear smoke, boosting its preparedness for complex emergencies.
Fireman Nilichandra expressed optimism about the upgrades, saying, “The latest technology surpasses our previous equipment, particularly the bowsers and firefighting bikes. If the fire truck cannot access a densely populated area, these bikes can be deployed instead.”
The new measures mark a significant step forward in Manipur’s fire safety and emergency response capabilities.
