Uttar Pradesh set for big leap in lift, escalator safety

Building maintenance rules in Uttar Pradesh are set to see some key changes, related especially to the ones that govern the use of lifts and escalators.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on December 25 approved the draft Uttar Pradesh lift and accelerator bill, 2023, paving the way for new regulations on the matter.

The CM issued a set of fresh directions to officials, instructing them to ensure "safety and proper maintenance of lifts and escalators installed in multi-storey buildings, especially at public places".


As per the bill, it will be mandatory to install an auto rescue device in a lift/escalator mandatory so that in case of an outage or any other fault, passengers trapped inside reach the nearest landing, and the door opens automatically.

Also mandatory will be emergency bells, CCTV cameras, adequate lighting and communication system in lifts and escalators mandatory for communications with people outside.

"The safety of lifts is very important. For this purpose, it is necessary to strictly ensure adherence to prescribed procedures for construction, quality, built-in safety features, installation, operation and maintenance of lifts and escalators," the CM instructed.

Yogi's statement generated high interest in light of frequent reports of mishaps involving lifts in urban residential complexes, which have become regular occurrences in a number of apartments in places such as Noida.

According to an official release, complaints are received about lifts and escalators installed in public places with high footfall, regarding their design as well as improper operation and maintenance .

The CM regretted that at present there is no law in this regard in the state. This needs to be implemented as soon as possible, he said.

The installation of new lifts and escalators, whether on private or public premises, must be mandated, requiring owners to register them, an official statement said.

This obligation should also extend to already installed units, with a focus on adherence to BIS standards and relevant building codes, as directed by the Chief Minister (CM), it added.

To enhance passenger safety within lifts, the CM emphasized the mandatory installation of auto rescue devices. These devices would ensure that in the event of a power outage or other faults, individuals trapped inside the lift are safely brought to the nearest landing, with the doors opening automatically, he said.

Additionally, the CM specified the compulsory inclusion of emergency bells, CCTV cameras, ample lighting, and communication systems for external interaction.

In the broader public interest, the CM stressed the importance of providing insurance coverage for passengers in the event of accidents during the operation of lifts and escalators on public premises. Any complaints or negative information related to the installation and operation of such systems should trigger legal actions against the manufacturer or the relevant entity, he said.