Maharashtra Notifies New Lift and Escalator Safety Rules

The Maharashtra government has notified new safety regulations for lifts, escalators and moving walkways in residential, commercial and public buildings, making CCTV cameras, automatic rescue devices (ARD), overload protection devices (OLPD), monthly maintenance and annual safety audits mandatory under rules notified on October 28.

The Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Rules, 2026, issued by the state energy department, establish requirements for the installation, operation, inspection and maintenance of these facilities.

The framework has been introduced under the Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017.

New lifts will be required to have CCTV cameras. Existing lifts without CCTV cameras, ARD and OLPD must install all three systems within one year from October 28.

Monthly Maintenance and Annual Safety Audits

Under the new regulations, building owners and licence holders must ensure that lifts, escalators and moving walkways are inspected and maintained by approved contractors at least once every month.

Contractors must also maintain records of inspections and maintenance work.

Annual safety audits will be compulsory, with the reports submitted to the electrical inspector. Third-party insurance will also be mandatory for lift installations.

“The new framework is aimed at tightening safety oversight and fixing accountability,” a senior energy official said.

Installation Licences and Accident Reporting

Building owners intending to install new lifts or escalators, or undertake major alterations, must obtain permission from the electrical inspector.

Installations will undergo inspection before an operating licence is granted.

The operating licence will remain valid for 20 years, subject to compliance with the prescribed requirements.

The electrical inspector will also have the authority to inspect installations and prevent unsafe facilities from operating. Such installations can be sealed if corrective measures are not undertaken.

Any accident involving a lift, escalator or moving walkway must be reported to the electrical inspector and the local police station within 24 hours.

Also Read: BMC Approves ₹11.28 Crore Audit of Site Air Monitors

Restrictions on Children and Lift Operators

The rules prohibit children below 12 years from using lifts or escalators without adult supervision.

Housing societies and other establishments are also prohibited from employing lift operators below 18 years of age.

Facilities that have remained shut for six months or longer cannot resume operations until approved contractors complete the prescribed on-site tests.

Also Read: Mumbai Homebuyers Take Longer to Book Homes This Diwali

Round-the-Clock Emergency Support

Contractors responsible for installing and maintaining lifts, escalators and moving walkways must provide a 24-hour, seven-day call-handling service for complaints and emergency calls.

Contractors servicing more than 50 installations in a city, or facilities located beyond 100 km from their headquarters, must establish an additional service centre in the respective area.

The new rules also strengthen licensing requirements for contractors and establish greater accountability for building owners responsible for these facilities.

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