Mumbai Elevators to Adopt Metro-Style Automatic Locks in Major Safety Upgrade
From December, elevators in Mumbai and across India will receive a significant safety upgrade with the introduction of metro-style automatic locks and advanced safety features, ensuring a safer and more reliable vertical transport experience.
Elevator SafetyVertical TransportUrban InfrastructureBis StandardsSustainabilityReal Estate MumbaiSep 01, 2025
India is the second-largest elevator market in the world after China, with rapid urbanisation and high-rise construction fuelling growth. Yet, elevator accidents remain a concern, particularly in states without comprehensive lift laws. According to officials, the new code will bring much-needed consistency, requiring all manufacturers to comply by December 2025. This will not only address commuter safety but also standardise operations across India’s fragmented regulatory environment. Beyond door-locking systems, the new standards mandate the installation of advanced technologies including speed governors and Ascending Car Overspeed Protection, designed to stop cars in the event of control failures. Elevators will also feature light curtains, two-way emergency communication systems operable during power outages, and stricter protocols for fire safety and evacuation. These measures aim to secure both passengers and the technicians tasked with maintaining the systems.
Industry experts emphasise that the upgraded standards, identified as IS 17900 Part 1 & 2, are aligned with European benchmark EN 81-20/50. This global alignment is expected to boost investor and consumer confidence, positioning India as a leader in safe, sustainable vertical mobility. The new framework stresses structural integrity, fail-safe mechanisms, and inclusivity, making elevators more accessible for people with disabilities and ensuring compliance with modern design principles. The elevator overhaul also ties into India’s broader urban agenda of creating eco-friendly and equitable cities. By enforcing stringent safety standards, the government is signalling a move toward resilient infrastructure that not only reduces accident risks but also supports sustainable construction practices. Experts believe that, in the long term, these norms could lower the carbon footprint of elevator operations by pushing for better energy efficiency and smarter systems.
While 17 states currently have legislation governing lifts and escalators, many regions still lack comprehensive legal frameworks. The updated code is therefore expected to close regulatory gaps, ensuring that safety is not dependent on state-specific rules but is embedded in national standards. For commuters, it means fewer risks during everyday use, while for manufacturers, it marks a new era of accountability and innovation. The upcoming transition underscores how safety, sustainability, and inclusivity are shaping India’s urban infrastructure. As the December deadline approaches, the industry is preparing for a future where elevators in India will be as reliable and secure as metro rail systems, setting a new benchmark for vertical mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new safety features will elevators have from December 2025?
From December 2025, elevators will feature metro-style automatic locks, speed governors, Ascending Car Overspeed Protection, light curtains, two-way emergency communication systems, and stricter fire safety and evacuation protocols.
How will these new standards improve elevator safety?
The new standards will ensure that elevator cars remain securely locked until the doors are completely closed, prevent movement with open doors, and include advanced technologies to stop cars in the event of control failures, enhancing overall safety.
Why is India implementing these new elevator safety standards?
India is implementing these standards to reduce elevator accidents, standardise operations across the country, and align with global benchmarks, thereby improving safety and reliability for all users.
How will these changes benefit people with disabilities?
The new standards will make elevators more accessible for people with disabilities by ensuring compliance with modern design principles and inclusivity measures, enhancing their safety and convenience.
What impact will these regulations have on the elevator market in India?
These regulations will boost investor and consumer confidence, position India as a leader in safe and sustainable vertical mobility, and drive innovation and accountability among manufacturers.
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