Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis unveiled the restored 1937 ‘Turn Table Ladder’ vehicle of the Mumbai Fire Brigade at the BMC headquarters on Republic Day, highlighting the importance of preserving the city’s firefighting heritage and legacy of public service
MFB's heritage vehicle 'Turn Table Ladder’ unveiled by CM Fadnavis. (Pic.X)
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, while unveiling the restored ‘Turn Table Ladder’ vehicle of the Mumbai Fire Brigade, emphasised the importance of preserving the city’s historical firefighting equipment. He added that such heritage assets reflect the legacy of public service and sacrifice in Mumbai.
Speaking at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters on the occasion of Republic Day 2026, Fadnavis unveiled the historic firefighting vehicle, which was manufactured in 1937. Restored by the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the ‘Turn Table Ladder’ has been formally reintroduced as a heritage exhibit.
History of Mumbai Fire Brigade's ‘Turntable Ladder’
According to BMC, the ‘Turn Table Ladder’ played a key role in emergency operations during the devastating fire on the cargo ship SS Fort Stikine at Mumbai Port in April 1944. The fire on the cargo ship is still one of the most significant disasters in the city’s maritime history. The iconic vehicle was used by fire brigade personnel in rescue operations that helped save several lives.
While addressing the gathering at the BMC headquarters, CM Fadnavis said the Mumbai Fire Brigade has consistently served the city with dedication and courage, with its personnel often risking their lives to protect citizens.
Fadnavis further noted that preserving the Mumbai Fire Brigade’s historical equipment is essential to safeguarding its institutional memory and legacy. He also suggested that a museum could be created to conserve and showcase such heritage tools and vehicles.
Restoration of heritage firefighting vehicle
The restoration of the ‘Turn Table Ladder’ was undertaken following a proposal by BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, with support from industrialist Gautam Singhania.
Along with the chief minister, several senior officials and dignitaries were also present at the ceremony, including Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakane, Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar, Padma Shri awardee Armida Fernandez, and other senior BMC and Mumbai Fire Brigade officials.
The BMC in an official statement said that the restored vehicle will now be preserved as part of Mumbai Fire Brigade’s historical legacy, highlighting the evolution of firefighting services in the city and their role in major rescue operations over the decades.
CM Fadnavis felicitated Armida Fernandez
On the occasion, Fernandez, who was recently conferred the Padma Shri for her contribution to the healthcare sector, was also felicitated by Fadnavis.
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