Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary flagging off 80 fire engines from Patna on May 18, 2026. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By A Correspondent
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday flagged off 80 newly purchased, state-of-the-art fire engines to strengthen the Bihar Fire Service. The vehicles were inaugurated at a programme held at the historic Gandhi Maidan, where the Chief Minister also remotely launched a modern, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based fire control room.
During the event, the Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary visited an exhibition organised by the Bihar Fire Service. Officials briefed him on a range of advanced firefighting equipment, including pneumatic airlifting bags, hydraulic door openers, self-contained breathing apparatus, dewatering pumps, cooling vests, high-pressure portable pumps, power shoring systems, high-lumen remote lighting units, multi-gas detectors, battery-operated mini cutters, and smoke exhausters.
Addressing the gathering, Samrat described fire service personnel as “brave warriors” who risk their lives to save others during emergencies. He said their primary aim is to protect lives during fire incidents and that they respond swiftly whenever disasters strike.
He added that former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had worked for development across sectors with justice, and efforts are ongoing to carry that work forward. The newly inducted fire engines, he said, would play a crucial role in disaster response, especially in tackling fire-related incidents across the state.
The Chief Minister said that more than 8,000 trained personnel are currently serving in the Bihar Fire Service, with the key objective of ensuring public safety during fire emergencies. He thanked the department’s leadership for strengthening its capabilities and training.
Highlighting Bihar’s vulnerability to disasters, he said the state, with a population of nearly 14 crore—about a tenth of India’s population—frequently faces floods, fires and earthquakes. In such situations, fire service personnel carry out their duties with dedication and efficiency. He also praised the participation and performance of women personnel in the force.
Samrat Choudhary emphasised that Bihar is expanding its basic infrastructure, including healthcare, education, roads and electricity, while also working rapidly to attract industries. He urged the fire service to prepare in line with this industrial growth.
Referring to plans by the Union government, he said a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) training centre is to be set up in Kishanganj, and requested that a similar facility be considered for Gaya, where an industrial corridor is under development.
The Chief Minister appealed to people living outside Bihar to return and contribute to the state’s development by setting up businesses. He said investors are increasingly showing interest in Bihar and expressed hope that the state could attract investments worth ₹5 lakh crore by November 20, 2026, marking one year of the new government.
On the use of technology, Samrat stressed that this is the era of AI and called for its adoption across government departments. He said AI-based systems could help reduce project costs by 5 to 6 per cent and directed that no project estimate should be approved without AI-based verification.
He also announced the launch of “Sahyog Camps” at the panchayat level from Tuesday, aimed at addressing public grievances. Applications received at these camps must be resolved within 30 days, failing which the concerned officer would face automatic suspension on the 31st day. He added that applications would be monitored in real time by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary also addressed the gathering.
The event featured a demonstration by fire service commandos, including a water salute display, showcasing their discipline, courage and operational skills. Director General of Bihar Fire Service, Shobha Ahotkar, welcomed the Chief Minister with a bouquet and memento.
Several dignitaries, including Member of Parliament Devesh Chandra Thakur, senior officials from the disaster management authority, home department, police, and other administrative bodies, were present along with fire service personnel.
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