Maharashtra Clears ₹14.91-Crore IoT Fire Safety Upgrade for 24 RTO Offices

Maharashtra has approved ₹14.91 crore to install IoT-based fire alarm systems at 24 regional transport offices and Deputy RTOs, aiming to strengthen fire safety at busy public-facing government premises, as the state moves toward more technology-enabled fire monitoring.

The proposed network will combine 4,301 wireless addressable smoke detectors, 15 heat detectors and 217 manual call points. The smoke detectors will use optical sensors and mesh-topology technology, enabling devices to communicate across the network. Addressable detection can help identify the particular location where an alarm is triggered, while heat detectors provide an additional layer of protection.

If a person spots a fire before an automatic detector responds, a manual call point can activate the alarm. Signals will feed into 229 control panels equipped with hooters and 12-hour battery backup. These panels will process alerts and provide a local warning, including during power interruptions.

Each office will also have a central monitoring station, cloud-based monitoring portal and autodialer. The architecture will allow alarm information to be monitored centrally and communicated automatically to designated contacts. In a typical sequence, smoke or abnormal heat is detected, the relevant device sends a signal to the control panel, the hooter sounds and the monitoring and notification systems relay the alert.

Implementation will begin with preparation of a detailed estimate, followed by a single e-tender for the entire work rather than splitting it into separate contracts. The approved cost comprises ₹12.32 crore for the work, ₹26.95 lakh in contingency and ₹2.21 crore in GST.

However, the government order reported by PTI does not specify a firm installation deadline, maintenance period or separate annual maintenance contract. It also does not lay down detailed performance indicators such as system uptime, testing frequency or response-time targets.

Therefore, the project establishes the equipment, funding and procurement framework, while the tender and subsequent contracts are expected to determine the operational timeline, maintenance arrangements and detailed monitoring criteria. Andheri RTO will receive the largest allocation, with 713 smoke detectors, highlighting the focus on high-footfall offices.