Navi Mumbai Airport Conducts Anti-Hijacking Drill as West Bengal Strengthens Firefighting Network

Navi Mumbai/Kolkata: Aviation and emergency-response preparedness received a major focus this week, with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) conducting an anti-hijacking mock exercise at Navi Mumbai Airport and West Bengal introducing a large fleet of modern firefighting vehicles and equipment.

The two developments highlight efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness, improve coordination between different agencies and ensure a faster response during security or fire-related emergencies.

CISF conducts anti-hijacking mock exercise at Navi Mumbai Airport

The CISF conducted its Annual Anti-Hijacking Mock Exercise (AHME) 2026 at the CISF Airport Security Group (ASG) at Navi Mumbai on September 22.

According to the force, the exercise was carried out in accordance with the approved contingency plan. The simulated situation involved a hijacked aircraft landing at Navi Mumbai International Airport, allowing participating agencies to test their response to a serious aviation-security emergency.

The exercise was designed to assess how quickly and effectively various agencies could coordinate their actions in the event of a potential hijacking or similar crisis.

Multiple agencies take part

The mock drill brought together personnel from several organisations involved in airport security, emergency response and passenger safety.

The participating agencies included the CISF, Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), local police, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Security Guard (NSG), airlines, medical services, Air Traffic Control (ATC), Krystal and the Bureau of Immigration (BOI).

Their participation allowed the agencies to practise communication and coordination while responding to the simulated crisis.

The CISF said the exercise demonstrated the preparedness of the participating agencies and their ability to work together during an aviation-security contingency.

Airport Crisis Coordination Room activated

As part of the exercise, the Aerodrome Committee was activated and the concerned members assembled at the Airport Crisis Coordination Room (ACCR).

Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe, IPS, and Sunit Sharma, DIG/CASO, ASG Navi Mumbai, were among those who attended the exercise.

The activation of the crisis coordination mechanism was intended to test the procedures that would be followed if a serious security incident were to occur at the airport.

According to the CISF, the successful completion of the drill reflected the coordinated efforts of the different stakeholders involved in airport security and emergency management.

West Bengal introduces 226 modern firefighting vehicles and equipment

Meanwhile, West Bengal has taken steps to strengthen its fire and emergency-response infrastructure.

On September 23, 226 new firefighting vehicles and equipment were ceremonially flagged off from Kolkata’s Red Road as part of a broader effort to modernise the state’s Fire & Emergency Services.

The new fleet has been introduced with the aim of improving the ability of fire personnel to respond quickly to emergencies, particularly in densely populated areas, markets, industrial zones and other important urban and semi-urban locations.

New fleet includes water tenders and articulating water towers

According to the official release, the newly inducted fleet includes 198 mid-size water tenders, each with a capacity of 2.5 kilolitres.

Another 25 water tenders, with a larger capacity of 6 kilolitres, have also been included.

The fleet further contains three articulating water towers, each capable of reaching a height of 36 metres.

The total cost of the new vehicles and equipment has been put at approximately ₹94 crore.

The deployment of these vehicles across fire stations is expected to strengthen firefighting capabilities in locations where quick access and adequate water capacity are particularly important.

Technology to play a bigger role in emergency response

The modernisation programme extends beyond conventional firefighting vehicles.

The state has also outlined plans to strengthen its emergency-response system through the use of newer technologies and specialised equipment.

These include firefighting robots, drones, hydraulic platforms and advanced communication systems.

Such equipment can assist emergency personnel in situations where direct access may be difficult or where conditions are too dangerous for firefighters to immediately enter.

Expansion of fire-service infrastructure

West Bengal is also working on expanding its fire-service infrastructure.

According to the information provided, 23 new fire stations are currently under construction, while another 10 projects for new fire stations have been announced in the state budget.

The expansion is intended to improve the geographical reach of emergency services and reduce response times in areas that require additional fire-service coverage.

Recruitment and manpower expansion planned

Along with new equipment and infrastructure, the state is also focusing on strengthening its firefighting workforce.

A recruitment drive for around 1,400 personnel has been proposed. The recruitment is expected to cover positions including Fire Operators, Fire Engine Operator-cum-Drivers and Sub-Officers.

The government has also proposed creating approximately 2,500 additional posts as part of its wider plan to expand manpower in the fire and emergency-services department.

Focus on welfare of firefighters

The modernisation programme also includes measures aimed at improving the welfare of fire-service personnel.

Plans mentioned in the release include an allowance equivalent to 26 days’ pay annually for permanent frontline personnel and an additional monthly allowance of ₹2,000 for contractual Auxiliary Fire Operators.

Modern barracks and housing facilities for fire personnel in Kolkata have also been announced.

Greater emphasis on prevention and training

The state is also placing emphasis on preventing emergencies and improving public awareness rather than focusing only on responding after an incident occurs.

Fire-safety audits, inspections, mock drills and training programmes are expected to form part of the broader fire-prevention strategy.

The objective is to build a response system that can reach people quickly, manage emergencies efficiently and reduce loss of life and property.

Strengthening preparedness across sectors

The anti-hijacking drill at Navi Mumbai Airport and the expansion of firefighting infrastructure in West Bengal address different types of emergencies, but both initiatives share a common focus: preparedness and coordination.

At Navi Mumbai Airport, multiple agencies tested their ability to respond collectively to a simulated aviation-security crisis. In West Bengal, the government is expanding its fleet, infrastructure, technology and manpower to strengthen the state’s ability to respond to fires and other emergencies.

Together, the developments underline the growing importance of coordinated emergency-response systems, modern equipment and regular mock exercises in managing complex situations and protecting the public.

News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.