Indian State Works To Finalize First-Ever Lift and Escalator Law

Government officials in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India are working to finalize the UP Lifts and Escalators Act, 2023, a “first-ever” law that would require annual maintenance and registration of vertical-transportation (VT) equipment, compensation for passengers injured in VT accidents and penalties for scofflaws, Hindustan Times is among outlets to report. Studying the lift acts of other states such as Delhi, Maharashtra and Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh aims to finalize the act during the next legislative assembly after the winter session. A draft has been completed, and comments and suggestions are being received from stakeholders. The move comes amid an increasing number of lift accidents in Uttar Pradesh. Should the draft become law, building owners would be required to provide third-party insurance for passengers, annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) would be mandatory and the Electricity Safety Directorate would develop a portal to keep an eye on lifts operating without an AMC. Malls, hotels, theaters and government offices would be required to carry out and document monthly VT inspections.