India’s rapid redevelopment activity is transforming urban skylines while creating strong demand for advanced vertical mobility systems, says Navin Rajagopalan, Director, City Lifts India Limited. As older residential societies, commercial buildings, and dense urban clusters make way for modern high-rise developments, elevators are becoming an essential part of new-age infrastructure.
According to Rajagopalan, redevelopment projects across cities such as Mumbai, Thane, Pune and Delhi-NCR are replacing ageing low-rise buildings with taller structures that can accommodate more residents, enhanced amenities and improved safety standards. This vertical expansion is significantly increasing the need for efficient elevator systems capable of handling higher passenger volumes while delivering speed, comfort and operational reliability.
He explains that elevators are no longer viewed merely as a utility but as an integral component of a building’s overall functionality and user experience. In land-constrained cities like Mumbai, redevelopment has become a key growth driver for the elevator industry, with developers increasingly opting for high-speed lifts, intelligent traffic management systems and advanced safety technologies.
Rajagopalan notes that premium residential developments are also encouraging the adoption of aesthetically designed elevators equipped with touchless controls, destination dispatch systems and energy-efficient features. These technologies not only enhance convenience but also improve long-term operational efficiency.
He adds that space optimisation remains one of the biggest challenges in redevelopment projects. As a result, developers are increasingly seeking compact, high-capacity solutions such as machine-room-less elevators and smart dispatch systems that maximise usable floor area while ensuring seamless passenger movement.
Beyond new installations, redevelopment is also boosting demand for elevator modernisation. Existing systems in partially redeveloped buildings often require upgrades, including controller replacements, cabin refurbishments and safety enhancements to comply with current regulations.
Rajagopalan believes the trend extends beyond residential projects, with commercial developments, integrated townships and mixed-use complexes also driving demand for intelligent vertical mobility. As Indian cities continue to grow vertically, he says future-ready elevator infrastructure will play an increasingly important role in supporting sustainable urban development.
Source: Lokmat Times
