Maharashtra Legislative Council Approves Amendment to Decentralize Lift Inspections
In a significant move to enhance elevator safety and streamline regulatory processes, the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Thursday passed an amendment to the Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017. This amendment empowers electrical inspectors at the district or inspection division level to conduct inspections of lifts, escalators, and moving walks, both before licenses are granted and during periodic safety checks.
Decentralizing Powers for Efficiency
The amendment aims to decentralize powers that were previously concentrated with the office of the chief electrical inspector, which currently handles licensing for operating lifts, escalators, and moving walkways across the state. Officials highlighted that the increasing number of installations, particularly in high-rise cities like Mumbai, has placed immense pressure on the centralized system, leading to delays and inefficiencies.
Under the new provisions, electrical inspectors posted in districts or inspection divisions will be authorized to inspect equipment within their jurisdiction. This includes pre-license inspections and regular safety assessments. The government asserts that this step is designed to ensure quicker inspections and improve the overall efficiency of public services, addressing the backlog caused by rapid urbanization.
Addressing Safety Concerns and Legal Updates
The statement of objects and reasons for the bill noted that the 2017 law was enacted to regulate the construction, installation, maintenance, and safe operation of lifts, escalators, and moving walkways in Maharashtra. However, with installations growing rapidly, the existing inspection structure has become overstretched, necessitating this amendment.
Additionally, the amendment proposes consequential changes to update legal references. It replaces mentions of the Indian Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Factories Act, 1948 with the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, aligning with recent national legislative reforms.
Background on Elevator Safety in Maharashtra
This development comes amid growing concerns over elevator safety in Maharashtra. Despite the passage of the 2017 law, the rules required to fully operationalize it are still being finalized. Consequently, the state largely continues to operate under the decades-old Bombay Lift Rules of 1958, which safety experts argue are inadequate for regulating modern elevator systems in high-rise buildings, malls, and hospitals.
Recent incidents, including lift malfunctions, collapses, and cases of people being trapped in parts of the Mumbai metropolitan region, have underscored the urgent need for stricter inspection and certification mechanisms. These events have highlighted the risks associated with outdated regulations and centralized oversight.
Expected Benefits and Future Implications
Officials believe that decentralizing inspection powers will help speed up approvals, improve monitoring, and strengthen safety oversight as Maharashtra continues to build vertically. By distributing responsibilities to local inspectors, the state aims to enhance responsiveness and ensure that safety standards are met more effectively across diverse urban landscapes.
This amendment represents a proactive step toward modernizing safety protocols and addressing the challenges posed by rapid urban development. It is expected to foster a more robust regulatory environment, ultimately contributing to public safety and trust in infrastructure systems.
