Telangana to bring lift safety law

Draft Bill proposes mandatory registration, annual inspections and stricter accountability for lifts and escalators

Property Pulse

The Telangana government is set to introduce a comprehensive law to regulate the installation, operation and maintenance of lifts, escalators and moving walks, marking a major step towards strengthening public safety in high-rise buildings and commercial establishments across the state. The proposed Telangana Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Bill has received the approval of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and is currently under examination by the Law Department.

The legislation is expected to be placed before the State Cabinet before being introduced in the Legislative Assembly. The move comes amid the rapid growth of high-rise residential towers, office buildings, hospitals, shopping malls and Metro stations, where lifts and escalators have become an integral part of daily life. The government believes a dedicated legal framework is necessary to improve safety standards and prevent accidents caused by equipment failure or poor maintenance.

Under the proposed law, registration of every lift, escalator and moving walk will be mandatory. All installations will have to comply with safety and quality standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Government-appointed inspectors will conduct annual safety and fitness inspections, while maintenance and repairs can only be carried out by authorised agencies or certified technical professionals.

The Bill also proposes to fix accountability on manufacturers and maintenance agencies. Companies found responsible for defective installations or safety lapses could face legal action, while consumers will be able to seek redress through consumer forums in cases of negligence or service deficiencies. Officials say the legislation will improve safety standards, strengthen accountability and reduce lift-related accidents as Telangana witnesses rapid urbanisation and an increasing number of high-rise developments.

The Telangana Elevators Association has welcomed the proposed legislation and urged the government to classify lifts as an essential service while reducing the existing 18 per cent GST on lifts.

Safety issues

• Mandatory registration of lifts and escalators.
  
• Annual safety and fitness inspections.
  
• BIS standards to be made compulsory.
  
• Maintenance only by authorised agencies.
  
• Legal action for safety lapses.
  
• Bill awaits Cabinet and Assembly approval.