As the BMC starts the process to set up a fire station at Kanjurmarg West, residents of neighbouring Vikhroli East and Ghatkopar have raised their voices seeking a separate fire station. The demand comes as the over 10-km stretch between Mulund and Ghatkopar East, with a population of around 3 lakh, does not have a single fire station. “The demand for a fire station at Ghatkopar and Vikhroli East is old,” said former corporator Bhalchandra Shirsat. He added, “The nearest fire stations are in Govandi and Vikhroli, and fire engines take more than 10 minutes to reach Ghatkopar East due to the traffic congestion.”

The former corporator said, “Old buildings are being redeveloped in Pantnagar and Garodia Nagar and the number of high-rises is increasing. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a fire station here.” As per Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation record, more than 200 high-rises have come up in Ghatkopar and Vikhroli East in the past five years. The population of Ghatkopar East is more than 5 lakh while that of Vikhroli East is around 2 lakh.