Nearly two months after the Uttar Pradesh government introduced the UP Lift and Escalator Rules, 2024, aimed at regulating the operation and maintenance of lifts in the state, a staggering 80,000 lifts in over 350 high-rise buildings in Noida have yet to comply with the new registration mandate. This delay is raising serious concerns, especially after a series of lift accidents in the city this year, highlighting the urgent need for better safety protocols.
The new regulations, passed in February 2024, seek to ensure the safe installation, maintenance, and operation of lifts and escalators, particularly in cities like Noida, which is home to a large number of high-rise residential complexes. The government’s move comes after a series of lift-related mishaps, including incidents where residents were left trapped for extended periods. Following the enactment of the law, a government order issued on September 25 tasked district administrations, including those in Noida, to form five-member committees to investigate lift-related accidents and oversee compliance with safety standards. Despite this, a Noida administration directive issued on October 29 mandated that all lift owners, including those in Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs), register their lifts by March 2024. However, as of now, no lifts have been registered, causing frustration among residents and authorities alike.
District Magistrate Manish Verma expressed concern over the lack of progress, stressing the importance of timely compliance. “The registration process needs to be expedited, and cooperation from the AOAs is crucial to ensure lift safety in the city,” he said. He added that owners who fail to comply would face penalties, including fines up to Rs 10,000 and possible suspension of lift services until registration is completed. However, RWA representatives argue that the delay in communication from the administration has contributed to confusion among residents, who were unaware that the registration process had already begun. The Noida Federation of Apartment Owners’ Association (NOFAA) president, Rajiva Singh, explained that clear guidance from the administration had been lacking, leading to a delay in the registration process.
The administration has promised to convene a meeting with all relevant stakeholders, including lift companies, to resolve the issues and set clear deadlines for registrations. The upcoming meeting will also address concerns over maintenance fees imposed by lift manufacturers, which some residents feel are excessive and could lead to a monopoly in the industry. Meanwhile, the safety concerns remain pressing. In 2023 alone, Noida witnessed at least six lift-related mishaps, including one where nine people were stuck in an elevator for over 30 minutes in Greater Noida. Such incidents underscore the urgency of ensuring lift safety through proper registration, maintenance, and regulation under the new Act.
