September 1, 2025: From December, elevators across India will undergo a major safety upgrade under new standards mandated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Drawing inspiration from metro rail compartments, the revised system will ensure that elevator cars remain locked until doors are fully closed, preventing movement with open doors.
India is the world’s second-largest elevator market after China, with rapid urbanisation and high-rise development fuelling demand. However, frequent accidents, particularly in states without comprehensive lift laws, have raised safety concerns. Officials said the new framework will bring uniformity across the sector, with all manufacturers required to comply by December 2025.
Beyond door-locking systems, the revised code calls for a series of advanced technologies: speed governors, Ascending Car Overspeed Protection to stop cars during control failures, light curtains, and two-way emergency communication systems operable even during power outages. Stricter fire safety and evacuation protocols have also been mandated.
The updated standards, codified as IS 17900 Part 1 & 2, are aligned with European benchmark EN 81-20/50. Industry experts say this global alignment will boost investor and consumer confidence, positioning India as a leader in safe and sustainable vertical mobility. The framework also stresses inclusivity, requiring lifts to be more accessible to persons with disabilities, and aims to support eco-friendly urban development by encouraging energy-efficient systems.
Currently, 17 states regulate lifts and escalators through specific laws, but large parts of the country remain outside such frameworks. The BIS code is expected to close these gaps by embedding safety in national standards. For commuters, this overhaul promises fewer risks and smoother travel. For manufacturers, it marks a new era of accountability, innovation, and sustainability in India’s elevator industry.
Source: Urban Acres
