PRAYAGRAJ, June 21 -- To enhance passenger safety, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) is planning to install automatic water-mist fire suppression systems in its buses. The technology can detect and contain fires within seconds, even while the vehicle is in motion. The sensor-based system automatically activates upon detecting an unusual rise in temperature or the presence of sparks. Once triggered, it releases a fine mist of water mixed with specialised chemicals to quickly contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. The system has already been installed in a few roadways buses in Kanpur under a pilot project. Following successful trials, UPSRTC is now planning to expand the technology to buses across the state, including in Prayagraj. Regional manager, UPSRTC, Prayagraj region, Ravindra Kumar Singh said the system will be made mandatory in all 624 buses operating in the region once approval is received from the corporation headquarters. He said the initiative is intended to prevent fire-related incidents and further enhance passenger safety. According to officials, several newly procured BS-6 buses are already being delivered with the fire suppression system fitted by manufacturers. Meanwhile, older buses in the Roadways fleet will be equipped with the technology through retrofitting at departmental workshops. The system operates through a fully automated rapid-cooling mechanism. It is equipped with advanced smoke and heat sensors that activate when temperatures rise to around 68-70 degrees Celsius or when sparks are detected. Once triggered, it releases micron-sized droplets that quickly cool the affected area and help suppress the fire. Officials said the technology also helps curb the availability of oxygen around the fire. As the fine water mist converts into steam, it lowers the oxygen concentration in the immediate area, enabling the flames to be extinguished more quickly and reducing the risk of the fire spreading further. The fire suppression system is designed to provide dual-layer protection. In addition to automatic activation, it can also be manually triggered by the driver through a dedicated emergency button....