Telangana plans law to regulate lifts, escalators
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government is set to introduce a law to regulate lifts, escalators and moving walks amid frequent accidents in the state.
A draft bill Telangana Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Bill has been prepared and approved by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on June 25. It will be placed before the cabinet after scrutiny by the law department.
The move follows a public interest litigation filed in court seeking action over safety issues in lifts. The government outlined the proposed law in its affidavit.
Mandatory standards and inspections under proposed law
Under the bill, registration of lift manufacturing companies will be mandatory. Every lift, escalator and moving walk installed in buildings and homes must meet prescribed Bureau of Indian Standards norms.
Government-appointed inspectors will conduct annual checks to assess safety compliance. Maintenance must be carried out only by recognised technical experts or authorised agencies.
Legal recourse for poor quality installations
If manufacturing defects or quality lapses are found, consumers can approach consumer forums against companies.
Telangana Elevators Association president Avinash Challa said the proposed law is a welcome step. He added that a similar bill is ready in Andhra Pradesh and urged the government to classify lifts as essential services and reduce the current 18% Goods and Services Tax.
