"Elevators Are Now Essential for Modern Homes as 95% Opt for Fully Automatic Models," Says Avinash Challa 

SAMUEL JOSHUA

The role of elevators in residential projects has undergone a significant shift over the past few years, moving beyond their traditional use in high-rise developments. Changing lifestyle needs, ageing families and a greater focus on accessibility have encouraged wider adoption, while builders are also opting for fully automatic elevators with advanced safety features as buyers view them as an essential part of modern homes rather than a luxury addition. 

More than 95 per cent of customers now opt for fully automatic door elevators with complete safety features. Close to 100 per cent of owner-occupied independent homes now install a lift, while about 50 per cent of villas choose one, said Avinash Challa, CEO & Managing Director, Cube Elevators (Lifts Trade Pvt Ltd).

He added that a few years ago, lifts were considered only for apartments above three floors, but that has completely changed as even ground-plus-one homes are now opting for elevators, particularly where there are elderly family members. The trend is visible across the country but is stronger in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. 

Hydraulic elevators are preferred for duplex homes, while traction elevators remain the preferred choice for simplex constructions, according to Avinash Challa. Hydraulic elevators for a ground-plus-two home start at around Rs 10 lakh, while traction models cost about Rs 8 lakh. He added that a lift is one of the few additions that directly enhances a property's value, with apartments without elevators becoming difficult to sell in 2026. Citing industry observations, Challa said more than 90 per cent of lift accidents occur in grill-gate elevators, highlighting the need for fully automatic lifts with complete safety features. 

On technology and safety, AI-enabled features such as RFID-based vehicle recognition and automatic lift calling are gradually entering the sector, although wider adoption will depend on customer willingness to invest. Compliance with IS 17900, India's mandatory lift safety standard, has become a key consideration for buyers, with stricter enforcement needed to improve safety standards. He added that the rules are expected to be streamlined into a uniform framework across the country soon. 

Headquartered at IDA Balanagar, Hyderabad, Cube Elevators manufactures hydraulic, traction geared and traction gearless elevators, ranging from compact home lifts to five and six-tonne car elevators with complete safety systems. The company also operates Lifts Trade Academy to train ITI graduates as elevator technicians, addressing the shortage of skilled manpower in the industry. Avinash said Cube customises elevators to suit individual building requirements and has a manufacturing capacity of over 200+ elevators, along with a display centre showcasing different lift systems and door technologies. 

Avinash Challa, who is also President of the Telangana Elevator Association and President of the Federation of Indian Elevator Companies, said the industry continues to face a shortage of trained installation technicians, unregulated supply of elevator components and poor servicing practices by unorganised operators. He noted that only about five to 10 companies in Hyderabad are building organised businesses with proper facilities. He stressed that stronger regulation, skilled workforce development and better enforcement of safety standards are essential to improve the quality and reliability of elevator installations across the country.