Maharashtra Lift Safety Rules 2026: Mandatory Compliance for Housing Societies with FAQs

Summary: Maharashtra’s new lift safety framework comprises the 2017 Act (Maharashtra Act XV of 2018), the 2026 Amendment Act and Rules notified on 28 October 2026 under Section 37. Both Acts commenced on 1 November 2026 under separate Energy Department notifications. The Rules require monthly examination and maintenance by approved contractors, annual certified safety audits submitted to the Electrical Inspector and separate statutory inspections. Owners must maintain passenger-risk third-party insurance and installation-wise logbooks, display licences and prescribed safety instructions and immediately rectify reported defects. Existing lifts missing CCTV, automatic rescue or overload protection must be equipped within one year of Gazette publication. Children below twelve must be accompanied by an adult. Covered accidents must be notified in Forms ZK and ZL within 24 hours to the inspector and local police, and the installation cannot restart without written permission. The regional Superintending Engineer handles installation permission, contractor and operating licence decisions, renewals and unsafe installation directions under the new framework. The supplied Amendment Bill details appeal routes and stay restrictions. Contraventions may attract fines upon conviction and persons controlling an association may face liability under Section 33, subject to statutory conditions and defences. This guide explains the forms, time limits, responsible authorities, transitional provisions, contractor qualifications and practical compliance steps for housing societies, developers and other owners.

Maharashtra Lift Safety Rules 2026: Mandatory CCTV, Insurance, Safety Audits and Housing Society Compliance

1. Legislative Background

The Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017 (Maharashtra Act XV of 2018) received assent and was published on 17 January 2018. Section 1(3) left commencement to a subsequent notification. Energy Department Notification CEI-2026/CR-135/ENR-1 dated 22 October 2026 appoints 1 November 2026 as the commencement date. A separate notification with the same number dated 23 October 2026 appoints the same date for Maharashtra Act XII of 2026, the Amendment Act.

The Energy Department issued Notification CEI-2025/C.R.55/Energy-1 dated 28 October 2026 under Section 37, publishing the Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Rules, 2026 in Extraordinary Gazette Part IV-B, No. 598. Rule 9 expressly measures the retrofit period from Gazette publication, not from 1 November. The March 4 legislative document is L.A. Bill VII of 2026, not the enacted Act; its clauses and legislative reasons are useful for explaining the administrative changes.

2. Why Maharashtra Introduced New Lift Safety Legislation

The Statement of Objects and Reasons dated 28 February 2026 accompanying L.A. Bill VII explains that growing installation numbers had overburdened the Chief Electrical Inspector, who previously granted licences statewide. The proposed solution was regional licensing by Superintending Engineers and district or inspection-division inspections by Electrical Inspectors. The objective was timely public service and meticulous safety inspection, not removal of the owner’s obligations. The Bill also updates references to the Factories Act, 1948 and Indian Penal Code, 1860.

3. Applicability to Housing Societies and Other Establishments

Sections 1 and 2 apply throughout Maharashtra. Section 2(l) describes lifts carrying passengers or goods or both between guide rails, with electric traction or hydraulic drive; it excludes hoists or lifts covered by the specified factory-safety legislation (the amendment Bill substitutes the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020). Escalators are powered inclined moving stairways; moving walks have an uninterrupted carrying surface parallel to travel. Residential towers, offices, malls, hotels and hospitals therefore fall within the framework where their installations meet the definitions.

Owner, Occupant and Licence Holder

Section 2(s) includes any person, body of persons or corporate body owning, operating or maintaining the equipment. Section 2(r) includes the owner or person occupying the premises, and Section 2(c) recognises representatives empowered to act for the owner. A registered cooperative society is not a prerequisite for these obligations: an unregistered association actually operating or maintaining a lift may fall within the definition. During handover the developer and residents should record who holds each licence, who has assumed operation, who pays for insurance and inspection and who will report accidents. An agreement does not erase statutory obligations imposed directly on either party.

Government installations are covered subject to the special modifications in Section 31, including omission of Section 32 for such installations.

4. Mandatory Safety Equipment in Existing Lifts

Rule 9 contains two provisions numbered (3) in the published English text. The second requires a closed-circuit television system inside the lift car; its proviso requires existing lifts lacking CCTV, Automatic Rescue Devices (ARD) and Overload Protection Devices (OLPD) to be equipped within one year from publication. The practical target is completion before 28 October 2027. A lobby camera is not a substitute for an in-car camera.

What Each Device Does

CCTV records activity inside the car. An ARD enables compatible equipment to bring passengers to a suitable landing during a power failure and facilitate exit. An OLPD detects excessive load and inhibits normal operation. A generator or capacity notice is not evidence that the corresponding rescue or overload device exists and functions. The approved contractor should identify each missing or defective device, assess compatibility and record commissioning tests. New installations must satisfy Rule 9 and the applicable technical standards; the express retrofit proviso concerns existing lifts.

Rule 9 does not set a CCTV retention duration. Restricted access, incident preservation and appropriate privacy safeguards are recommended practices, not a retention period prescribed by this rule. The retrofit window does not permit delaying repair of an existing failed safety device.

5. Mandatory Monthly Lift Maintenance

Section 18 requires every owner to contract with an approved contractor for satisfactory maintenance, including cleaning, oiling, adjustment and repair. Rule 10(4) assigns the contractor responsibility to the extent of duties entrusted and forbids the licence holder from obstructing them. Rule 10(7) requires the licence holder to ensure maintenance and examination by that contractor at least monthly; the contractor records results in Form ZF or ZG. Rule 10(6) requires immediate remedial measures on every fault reported by the contractor.

For example, if a society has six lifts, maintenance evidence must identify all six separately. A consolidated AMC invoice without service entries does not establish that each unit was examined. Require dates, equipment identification, tests, defect descriptions, parts replaced and closure evidence. Where a defect makes operation unsafe, secure the lift and obtain appropriate technical and regulatory clearance before reuse.

6. Annual Safety Audits and Statutory Inspections

Periodic Audit and Testing by the Licence Holder

Rule 10(2) requires the licence holder, either directly or through its authorised contractor, to conduct audits and testing following the schedule in Form R for lifts and Form S for escalators and moving walks. Certification is required at least once annually, or sooner if the Electrical Inspector requires it. The report must be submitted to that inspector. A committee should retain the signed report, submission acknowledgement and defect closure evidence.

Independent Statutory Inspection

Section 17 requires inspection at least annually or at earlier intervals notified by the Government. Rule 12 requires periodic inspection and testing by the Electrical Inspector; notice to the owner is in Form ZM and a discontinuation order where repair or alteration is required is in Form ZN. Section 17(2) permits inspection fees to be separately notified. Under Sections 13 and 14, authorised officers may enter after reasonable notice and the owner must provide facilities and procure the contractor’s attendance if required. The contractor audit does not replace this government inspection.

7. Appointment of Approved Contractors

Rule 6 is directed at electrical contractors obtaining a separate licence to erect and maintain lifts, escalators or moving walks. An applicant needs a valid electrical contractor licence under the CEA safety regulations, 2023 and applies to the Electrical Inspector in Form J with the notified fee, staff particulars in Form K, office and workshop documents, spare-part and equipment lists, vehicle documents, shop and establishment licence and training facilities.

Infrastructure and Staffing

• Independent office and telephone connection in Maharashtra; an additional service station in a city or town if installations under maintenance there exceed 50 or the installations are more than 100 km from the main office.
• Solvency certificate for ₹5 lakh from a nationalised or RBI-approved bank or Tahsildar.
• Regularly employed electrical supervisor with licence and at least five years of relevant experience; mechanical and electrical/electronics engineers with degree and five years’ experience or diploma and eight years’ experience; ITI-certified electrical/electronics technician with five years’ experience, subject to the rule’s qualification proviso.
• One erection team per 25 new installations in a year (senior and junior erectors with five years’ experience and one helper); one maintenance pair per 50 installations under maintenance in a year (mechanic with five years’ experience and helper).
• 24×7 call attendance at service stations, prescribed workshop and testing facilities, spare parts, protective equipment and suitable vehicle.

The Electrical Inspector inspects the office and workshop and forwards the application to the Superintending Engineer, who grants or refuses Form L licence. Renewal is by Form M through the inspector at least 30 days before expiry, with fee and required documents plus certificates from at least ten customers confirming satisfactory maintenance. Under Rule 6(6), failure to apply in time with the requisite documents renders the licence void and a fresh application is required. Societies should check both licences, scope, expiry and emergency contacts instead of relying on brand reputation alone.

8. Third-Party Insurance

Section 23 obliges the owner, after completion of erection, to ensure third-party insurance covering the risks of passengers using the lift, escalator or moving walk. This is a statutory obligation, not merely an optional benefit of an AMC. The section does not prescribe a uniform rupee limit. Obtain the policy schedule, endorsements and written confirmation identifying all covered installations and passenger liability risks. Building fire insurance, machinery breakdown cover or the contractor’s liability policy may not cover the owner’s statutory passenger exposure.

One policy may cover multiple lifts if its terms actually do so. Compare per-event and aggregate limits, exclusions, deductibles, claims notification and renewals. Keep continuous cover and inform the insurer promptly after an incident, without delaying statutory reporting.

9. Separate Lift Logbooks

Section 24 requires the owner to maintain a separate logbook for each unit, recording operation, breakdowns other than electrical supply failure, and accidents. Rule 10(5) additionally requires every repair and alteration to be entered; Rule 10(7) requires the contractor to record monthly examination results. Form ZF is prescribed for lifts and Form ZG for escalators and moving walks. The Electrical Inspector may inspect the logbooks whenever desired. Preserve underlying reports, and record responsible persons and repair completion as recommended supporting evidence.

10. Display of Licences and Safety Instructions

Rule 10(8) requires display of the operating licence at ground or entry level or another location specified by the Electrical Inspector. Rule 10(9) requires the safety instruction boards and symbols prescribed by Forms ZH and ZI for lifts and ZJ for escalators or moving walks, as specified by the inspector. Use the actual form templates rather than replacing them with generic posters. A separate notice with the contractor’s emergency number and building contact is a useful additional measure.

11. Children Below 12 Years

Rule 10(13) prohibits children under twelve years from using a lift, escalator or moving walk unless accompanied by an adult. The restriction is not confined to commercial buildings and applies to covered residential installations. A child who has attained twelve is outside this particular age restriction, although all other safety instructions apply. Societies should notify parents and display the instructions; the rule does not prescribe a separate society-imposed monetary fine.

12. Lift Operators

Rule 10(12) prohibits engagement of anyone under eighteen as a lift operator and requires operators to be mentally and physically fit and trained in correct operation. It does not itself mandate staffing every automatic residential lift. Where personnel are engaged, retain proof of age and training and explain emergency escalation; untrained guards should not attempt mechanical rescue.

13. Accident Reporting Within 24 Hours

Section 15(1) applies to accidents resulting in, or likely to have resulted in, injury or loss of life. The owner, occupier or authorised representative must notify the accident, including actual injury or loss, and submit the detailed report. Rule 11 requires Form ZK intimation and Form ZL detailed report within 24 hours to both the Electrical Inspector and local police station. Do not wait for the committee meeting, insurer or contractor’s root-cause analysis.

Sections 15(2) and (3) require an owner not residing in the building to appoint a representative resident in the town or village and communicate particulars in writing to the inspector. Section 15(4) provides for accident inquiry; subsection (5) gives inquiry powers including summoning witnesses and requiring production of information. Clause 10 of the amendment Bill updates the information obligation reference from IPC Section 176 to BNS Section 211.

Arrange medical and emergency assistance, restrict access, preserve CCTV and service records and cooperate with responders. Once rescue is complete, do not disturb the installation or restart it without the inspector’s written permission under Section 15(1).

14. Restarting Lifts After Accidents or Disconnection

Section 15(1) prohibits interference with the accident installation and restart without written permission of the Electrical Inspector. A contractor’s statement that the lift is functional is not a substitute. Rule 10(11) separately applies to equipment disconnected from the system for alterations or repair for six months or more: the approved contractor must perform relevant site tests of apparatus, cables or supply lines before reuse.

Rule 13(1) requires informing the Superintending Engineer where a unit is intended to be permanently removed, decommissioned or discontinued for more than six months. Section 26 requires intimation to the Electrical Inspector within one month of decommissioning the installation when the building is decommissioned. Rule 13(3) requires removal or safe mechanical retention after complete electrical disconnection, securing doors and access; unused escalators and moving walks may not serve as stairs or walkways.

15. Prohibition on Welding Specified Components

Rule 10(15) requires immediate repair of broken or damaged parts, enclosures, gates or fastenings and restoration to good working order. Safety gears must be maintained and components kept free of rubbish, dust and dirt. Welding is prohibited for broken or damaged parts subject to tension, torsion or bending and parts supporting passenger-moving components. This is a targeted prohibition, not a blanket statement that all welding anywhere on the premises is unlawful. Obtain the contractor’s written repair method and reject work contrary to the rule.

16. Operating Licences and Renewal

Permission Before Installation or Alteration

Under Section 4 and Rule 5 the owner applies to the Electrical Inspector before work begins, in Form A for lifts or Form B for escalators/moving walks, with erection plans, architect certificate (C), structural engineer certificate (D), approved contractor declaration (E), signed technical drawing and power of attorney. Pay notified fees through GRAS or the e-payment gateway. The inspector scrutinises using Form F or G and forwards the application to the Superintending Engineer. Permission is issued in H or I, valid one year; Section 4(3) permits extensions of six months at a time for sufficient reasons recorded in writing and Rule 5 requires structural stability certification for extension. Section 10 and Rule 10(3) address prior written permission for additions or alterations affecting capacity, speed, stops or safety; Section 10 excepts work required under Section 21.

Initial Inspection and Operating Licence

Section 7 and Rule 7 require notice and application to the Electrical Inspector immediately and no later than one month after erection, in Form N with Form O contractor declaration, test report P or Q, Section 7(6) fitness certificate, fee receipt and report R or S. The inspector sends inspection notice T; defects are communicated in W and verified after rectification. The application and inspection report U or V go to the Superintending Engineer, who grants licence X or Y or refuses with written reasons under Section 7(4). Section 11 prohibits operation except under and in conformity with a licence.

Renewal and Change of Ownership

Section 8 permits renewal for no more than five years at a time, subject to safe operation and proper maintenance, with conditions including major modernisation where necessary. Initial validity is twenty years from grant. Apply at least 30 days before expiry in Form Z or ZA with C and D certificates, fee receipt, P or Q test report, contractor fitness certificate, previous year’s inspection fee receipt, R or S report and original licence. Inspection, defect communication and compliance precede the Superintending Engineer’s decision; renewal is issued in Form ZB.

Rule 8 requires Form ZC for duplicate or ZD for ownership transfer with fee, architect certificate, structural certificate and technical drawing if old records unavailable, police NC if licence missing, test and inspection reports, contractor certificate, previous inspection fee receipt, original licence copy, AMC, affidavit ZE and transfer evidence where applicable. The inspector forwards the application to the Superintending Engineer. New X or Y records the original issue date and is stamped Duplicate Licence or Change In Name. Transfer is not a fresh twenty-year term.

17. Technical Standards

Section 12 requires relevant BIS practice and specifications; in case of inconsistency, the Act and Rules prevail. Number and spacing of installations must follow relevant BIS or National Building Code. Rule 9(1) requires applicable NBC/BIS and UDCPR requirements; Rule 9(2) requires compliance with the Electricity Act, 2003 and CEA safety and electricity supply regulations, 2023. The first provision numbered Rule 9(3) allows ISO or EN provisions for matters not covered by Indian standards, NBC or UDCPR only after Maharashtra Government approval.

The Annexure (Gazette pages 104–105) lists applicable standards including IS 17900 Parts 1 and 2 (2022), Part 3 Section 1 (2023) and Part 6 (2022). It requires the applicable latest editions and amendments. The contractor should identify the standards for the actual lift type, age, drive and use. Merely citing a generic BIS number is not proof of compliance.

18. Amendment Act, 2026

Maharashtra Act XII of 2026 was published on 25 March 2026 and commenced on 1 November 2026. The supplied March 4 Bill sets out the following clause-wise changes; the notified Rules independently confirm the regional licensing and enforcement architecture. The final enacted text should be consulted for authoritative confirmation of exact amended wording.

Bill Clause / Principal Section	Specific Change
2 / Throughout	Removes (Lifts) from Electrical Inspector and Assistant Electrical Inspector designations.
3 / 2(l), 2(z)	Updates factory-law exclusion to OSHWC Code, 2020; defines Superintending Engineer.
4 / 3	Provides for appointment of Superintending Engineer, regional inspector powers and statewide CEI control, monitoring and coordination.
5 / 4(3)–(4)	Transfers installation permission and extension powers to Superintending Engineer.
6 / 5(2), (3), (5)	Transfers contractor licensing and renewal functions to Superintending Engineer.
7 / 7(3)–(4)	Transfers operating licence grant/refusal and recording reasons.
8 / 8(2), (5)	Transfers renewal safety satisfaction and modernisation conditions.
9 / 10	Transfers prior written alteration permission.
10 / 15(5)(b)	Updates duty to furnish information from IPC 176 to BNS 211.
11 / 19	Transfers suspension and cancellation power.
12 / 20	Revises appeals and stay mechanism.
13–14 / 21–22	Transfers unsafe installation directions and sealing; appeal to CEI.
15 / 27	Transfers lifespan-related direction authority.
16–18 / 29, 35, 37	Adds Superintending Engineer to delegation, good-faith protection and rule-making references.

19. Regulatory and Appellate Framework

Under the framework described in clauses 4–14 of the Amendment Bill, the Chief Electrical Inspector (CEI) controls, monitors and coordinates administration and hears appeals. The Superintending Engineer (SE) has regional powers of an Electrical Inspector in addition to the specific grant, refusal, renewal and enforcement functions. Electrical Inspectors conduct technical scrutiny, inspections and accident inquiries in their allotted jurisdiction. The Rules expressly assign applications and inspections to the Electrical Inspector and final licensing decisions to the SE.

Appealable Orders and Deadlines

Order	Appellate Authority and Time
Refusal of operating licence under Section 7(3), or suspension/cancellation under Section 19, by SE	CEI under Section 20(1); file within 30 days from order.
SE order imposing renewal conditions, including major modernisation under Section 8(5)	CEI under Section 20(2); file within 30 days from order.
SE discontinuation order under Section 21(1)	Section 20(3) expressly contemplates appeal to CEI; no automatic stay. This subsection does not separately state a filing period.
SE sealing order under Section 22(1)	CEI under Section 22(2); CEI must decide within 30 days. The stated period concerns disposal, not a separately stated filing deadline.
Order of CEI	State Government under Section 20(4); decision final under the statutory provision. No separate filing time is stated in this subsection.

These detailed appellate particulars follow the supplied Bill read with the principal Act; verify against the enacted amendment before relying on a limitation period. Obtain the order, record its date and service date, file promptly with grounds, supporting documents and a specific stay request where needed. Section 20(3) requires compliance with the discontinuation order unless the CEI stays it. For example, even if an appeal against closure of a lift is filed immediately, residents may not resume use merely because it is pending.

20. Suspension, Cancellation and Sealing

Section 19 permits the licensing authority to suspend or cancel a licence for breach of the Act, Rules, licence conditions or directions, after reasonable opportunity of hearing and recording reasons. The Amendment Bill transfers this power to the SE. Rule 10(14) contains a poorly worded revocation provision for contravention of Rule 10; read it with Section 19 rather than assuming that every defect independently produces lawful cancellation without procedure.

Under Section 21 an authorised inspecting officer reports an unsafe condition; the SE may direct repairs or alterations within a specified period and order discontinuation until the condition is removed to satisfaction. Rule 13(2) prescribes Form ZO for directions. The owner or representative must comply within the stated period and immediately report compliance in writing. Section 22 permits sealing where a direction remains unfulfilled to the authority’s satisfaction and the unit is found being used. Rule 13(2) expressly assigns sealing to the SE. These are separate from the criminal fine under Section 32.

21. Penalties

Section 32 imposes a fine upon conviction for contravention of the Act, Rules, licence conditions or directions: up to ₹50,000, plus up to ₹1,000 per day for a continuing contravention after the first conviction. Thus 30 days of continued contravention after conviction could attract up to ₹30,000 additional fine, apart from the initial fine. These are maxima, not automatic daily administrative levies from discovery. Section 34 requires prior sanction of the Government or authorised officer not below Electrical Inspector rank before a court takes cognizance. Section 30 separately allows unpaid statutory fees to be recovered as arrears of land revenue.

22. Personal Liability of Committee Members

Section 33(1) makes the entity and persons who at the time of the offence were both in charge of and responsible for its conduct liable to proceedings and punishment. The definition includes firms, bodies corporate, associations of persons and bodies of individuals whether incorporated or not. A member controlling the affairs of an association is included in the definition of director. The proviso allows the person to prove the offence occurred without knowledge or that all due diligence was exercised to prevent it.

Section 33(2) separately covers officers where consent, connivance or neglect is proved. Mere committee membership is not automatic guilt, nor does delegation to a maintenance subcommittee guarantee immunity. Maintain minutes recording safety reports, decisions, approvals, follow-up and timely corrective measures. If a safety critical repair is reported, recording a dissent or budget issue alone may not establish due diligence without effective action appropriate to the person’s role.

23. Concurrent Liability of Contractors

Section 25 allows prosecution and punishment of the installation or maintenance company where an accident occurs due to malfunctioning safety provisions attributable to that company. The attribution requirement matters: an accident alone does not prove contractor guilt. Rule 10(4) makes the contractor responsible for duties assigned under the rule, while the licensee must not obstruct performance. The owner remains responsible for insurance, maintenance arrangements and other direct obligations. Contractual indemnity may allocate financial risk but cannot extinguish statutory prosecution exposure.

24. Residents Using Unsafe Lifts

Section 36(1) forbids use when the owner, occupant or operator declares or displays a warning against use; persons permitted to use the equipment for repairs are excepted. Section 36(2) makes contravention punishable under Section 32. The society should physically restrict access where appropriate and communicate the closure; a passenger cannot justify ignoring a warning simply because the car still moves.

25. Replacement After 20 Years

Section 27 permits replacement after twenty years from installation or under a direction pursuant to Section 8. The twenty-year installation age is distinct from the twenty-year initial licence term measured from grant. Section 8(5) allows safety improvement conditions, including major modernisation, before renewal. Consequently, age alone does not create a blanket requirement to replace every lift on its twentieth anniversary. Obtain a structural and technical assessment, evaluate obsolete parts and safety risks and budget for replacement as needed; comply with any binding direction.

26. Existing Licences

Section 39 repeals the Maharashtra Lifts Act, 1939 but preserves earlier actions, licences, authorisations and rules insofar as consistent with the new Act. A valid existing lift licence is not automatically cancelled. Section 9 is a distinct transitional provision for existing escalators and moving walks (not ordinary existing lifts): apply to the Electrical Inspector within six months of commencement, with possible further six months on application and recorded reasons. Section 38 preserves other applicable laws; Section 28 permits relaxation only by a written government order for a particular case subject to conditions, not by a society resolution.

27. Financial Implications

Budget separately for recurring AMC, statutory inspection fees, audits and liability insurance and for one-time equipment installation or modernisation. Routine repairs are generally recurring expenditure; new equipment or substantial improvements may qualify for capital recognition depending on the applicable accounting framework, control, useful life and materiality. No uniform device price is prescribed in the reviewed Rules.

Illustration only: assuming CCTV ₹8,000, ARD ₹45,000, OLPD ₹15,000 and testing ₹7,000 per lift, the cost is ₹75,000 per lift and ₹4,50,000 for six lifts before additional taxes or contingencies. Obtain written itemised quotations, identify already compliant units and avoid unnecessary replacements. Allocate expenses under the society’s registered bye-laws and governing law; the Lift Act does not itself prescribe equal contribution or a ground-floor exemption. Use of sinking funds requires separate review. GST and input tax credit depend on registration, actual supplies, business use and blocked-credit restrictions including CGST Act Section 17(5); these tax issues are outside the supplied lift legislation and require separate verification.

28. Compliance Calendar

When	Action and Authority
Before installation/alteration	Form A/B to Electrical Inspector; SE permission H/I (Rule 5).
Within one month of erection	Operating licence application N (Rule 7).
Every month	Approved contractor examination; ZF/ZG entry (Rule 10(7)).
At least annually	R/S audit and certification to Electrical Inspector (Rule 10(2)); separate statutory inspection (Section 17, Rule 12).
Immediately	Rectify reported faults and broken parts (Rule 10(6), (15)).
Within 24 hours of covered accident	ZK/ZL to Electrical Inspector and police (Rule 11).
Before 28 October 2027 (prudent target)	Install missing CCTV, ARD, OLPD (Rule 9 proviso).
At least 30 days before licence expiry	Operating renewal Z/ZA; contractor renewal M (Rules 6–7).
Before insurance/AMC lapse	Ensure continuous coverage and maintenance arrangements (Sections 18, 23).
Intended non-use exceeding six months	Inform SE (Rule 13); test after repair disconnection of six months or more before reuse (Rule 10(11)).
Within one month of decommissioning when building decommissioned	Intimate Electrical Inspector (Section 26).

29. Practical Compliance Checklist

As a practical governance measure, designate a compliance coordinator and prepare an installation-wise register listing make, location, licence number and expiry, owner name, AMC and contractor licence dates, insurance policy and expiry, last monthly visit, audit and statutory inspection dates, device status and unresolved defects. The following checklist is recommended to operationalise the duties:

1. Obtain licence, erection permission and technical drawings; apply for ownership transfer if required.
2. Verify contractor Form L licence and electrical contractor approval, 24×7 number and service station.
3. Ensure each lift has Form ZF and each escalator/moving walk Form ZG; review monthly entries.
4. Schedule annual audit and report submission, and track government inspection separately.
5. Obtain passenger-risk insurance endorsement and check all lifts are listed.
6. Commission CCTV/ARD/OLPD gap assessment; obtain quotations and schedule tests before deadline.
7. Display licence and prescribed instructions; inform residents of child accompaniment and closure rules.
8. Keep ZK/ZL accident forms accessible and designate local representative where required.
9. Track written directions, repair deadlines, closure and written clearance after accidents.
10. Record budget approvals, action owners, invoices and evidence of completion in committee minutes.

30. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Applicability and Legislative Framework

FAQ 1. What is the new Maharashtra lift safety framework and when does it apply?

The Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017, as amended in 2026, came into force on 1 November 2026. The Rules published on 28 October 2026 prescribe detailed requirements for installation, operation, licensing, maintenance, testing and inspection. The framework applies throughout Maharashtra to covered installations, including existing installations subject to transitional provisions.

The two commencement notifications bear the same number but different dates and enable different Acts. Rule 9 measures its retrofit period from the date of publication, 28 October, rather than either commencement notification.

FAQ 2. Which residential and commercial establishments are covered?

The legislation covers applicable installations in housing societies, apartment complexes, commercial buildings, malls, hospitals, hotels and other establishments, subject to statutory definitions and exclusions. Existing buildings should not assume exemption merely because their lifts were installed before the new framework commenced.

Section 2(l) excludes hoists/lifts covered by specified factory-safety legislation; the amendment Bill updates that reference to the OSHWC Code, 2020. Section 31 also contains special modifications for government installations.

FAQ 3. Are unregistered societies, AOPs and developers responsible for compliance?

Section 2(s) broadly defines the owner to include persons, bodies of persons and corporate bodies owning, operating or maintaining installations. An unregistered residents’ association may therefore have statutory duties. Section 33 also covers associations of persons in specified circumstances. During developer handover, identify the statutory owner and licence holder, document maintenance responsibilities and arrange any necessary licence transfer; contractual arrangements cannot automatically displace statutory duties.

For ownership transfer, Rule 8 prescribes Form ZD, transfer documents, Form ZE affidavit, AMC and testing/inspection records. The original licence issue date is retained.

FAQ 4. What happens to the earlier Maharashtra Lifts Act and existing licences?

Section 39 repeals the Maharashtra Lifts Act, 1939, but preserves earlier licences, permissions and actions insofar as consistent with the new legislation. Existing licences do not automatically lapse. Section 38 also preserves the application of other relevant laws; compliance with the lift legislation alone does not establish compliance with every building, electrical or fire safety obligation.

Section 9 separately requires owners of pre-commencement escalators or moving walks to apply within six months from 1 November 2026, extendable by a further six months on application and recorded reasons. This is not a blanket new application requirement for existing licensed lifts.

Mandatory Safety Equipment and CCTV

FAQ 5. Which safety devices are mandatory and what is the retrofit deadline?

Rule 9 expressly requires CCTV inside lift cars. Existing lifts lacking CCTV, Automatic Rescue Devices (ARD) or Overload Protection Devices (OLPD) must be equipped within one year from publication of the Rules on 28 October 2026. Societies should target completion before 28 October 2027 and obtain lift-wise confirmation from their approved contractor. Functional existing equipment need not be replaced merely because new Rules have been notified, provided it complies with applicable requirements. The transition does not authorise continued unsafe operation or delayed repair of defective devices.

The published Rule 9 repeats sub-rule number (3); the second occurrence contains the CCTV mandate and retrofit proviso. It is prudent to complete and document tests before the anniversary.

FAQ 6. What is an ARD and can generator backup replace it?

An Automatic Rescue Device facilitates evacuation during power failure by enabling a compatible lift to reach a suitable landing. A diesel generator or other building power backup should not automatically be treated as a statutory substitute. Obtain a technical assessment of the existing controller, rescue functionality and applicable standards from the approved contractor before deciding whether an upgrade is required.

FAQ 7. What is an Overload Protection Device and why is it important?

An OLPD detects loading beyond the permitted capacity and prevents normal operation until the load is reduced. Societies should have its functionality checked by an approved contractor as part of prescribed testing and maintenance. A passenger capacity sign is not a substitute for a functioning overload protection system.

FAQ 8. Where must CCTV be installed and how should footage be managed?

Rule 9 specifies CCTV inside the lift car; lobby cameras alone are insufficient. Rule 9 itself does not prescribe a footage retention period. As a governance measure, societies should establish restricted access, proportionate retention and secure preservation of footage relevant to incidents. Avoid unnecessary sharing on WhatsApp or other public or resident groups and consider other applicable privacy requirements.

Maintenance, Audits and Contractor Responsibilities

FAQ 9. How frequently must lifts be serviced and is an AMC compulsory?

Section 18 requires maintenance arrangements with an approved contractor. Rule 10(7) requires maintenance and examination at least monthly, with results entered in prescribed records. An AMC is not sufficient by itself: the society should check actual visits, tests, defects and corrective actions and follow up on overdue work.

Arrange service visits for each lift, not just a single building-level visit. Rule 10(6) requires immediate remedial measures for every reported fault.

FAQ 10. Who is authorised to maintain lifts and can existing contractors continue?

Rule 10(4) requires maintenance to be entrusted to an approved contractor. An ordinary electrician without the corresponding approval is not sufficient. Existing contractors may continue if their approvals remain valid and cover the work undertaken. Verify licence particulars, authorised scope, expiry dates, staffing and emergency response arrangements before renewing contracts.

Check Form L licence and underlying electrical contractor licence. Rule 6(4) requires renewal in Form M at least 30 days before expiry and certificates from at least ten owners; late failure to apply with documents makes the licence void under Rule 6(6).

FAQ 11. What emergency response and service-centre requirements apply to contractors?

Rule 6 requires round-the-clock call attendance and prescribes additional service centres where the applicable number of installations under maintenance exceeds 50 in a city or town or installations are beyond 100 km from headquarters. Societies should obtain the contractor’s local service details, emergency number and escalation contacts, and keep these accessible to staff and residents.

Rule 6(2) also prescribes one maintenance mechanic/helper pair per 50 installations per year. The mechanic needs at least five years of relevant experience. The service station must be equipped for timely service, not merely a telephone forwarding arrangement.

FAQ 12. What is the annual safety audit and which forms apply?

Rule 10(2) requires the licence holder, directly or through its authorised contractor, to arrange periodic audits and testing according to Form R for lifts or Form S for escalators and moving walks. Certification is required at least annually or at shorter intervals required by the Electrical Inspector. The report must be submitted to the Electrical Inspector; societies should retain signed reports and track rectification of deficiencies.

Form R/S is the audit schedule; the contractor test report P/Q and statutory inspection report U/V are distinct documents in the licensing process.

FAQ 13. Does the annual safety audit replace the statutory inspection?

No. Section 17 and Rule 12 provide separately for statutory inspection and testing by the Electrical Inspector under the prescribed framework, ordinarily at least yearly. Contractor testing and statutory inspection serve distinct purposes. Maintain records of both and arrange contractor attendance when required for statutory inspection.

Rule 12 prescribes Form ZM notice and Form ZN discontinuation order where repair or alteration is required. Section 14 requires owner assistance and contractor attendance if requested.

FAQ 14. What lift logbooks must be maintained and who may inspect them?

Section 24 and Rule 10 require installation-wise records. Form ZF applies to lifts and Form ZG to escalators and moving walks. Records should cover maintenance, testing, repairs, alterations, breakdowns as applicable, accidents, defects and remedial actions. The Electrical Inspector may inspect the records. Committee members should periodically review contractor entries rather than relying only on invoices.

Section 24 specifically excludes failure in electrical supply from the breakdown entry obligation, without preventing useful voluntary recording of power incidents.

FAQ 15. Can recommended repairs be postponed or damaged parts welded?

Rule 10(6) requires immediate remedial measures for reported faults. Rule 10(15) requires repair of broken or damaged parts and prohibits welding specified components subjected to tension, torsion or bending, or supporting passenger-moving parts. Safety-critical defects should be rectified before return to service. Budgetary constraints or convenience do not justify unsafe operation.

For specified components the prohibition is on welding damaged or broken load-bearing or stressed parts. Obtain the written repair method; safety gears must be kept in good order and equipment clean.

Insurance and Liability

FAQ 16. Is third-party lift insurance compulsory and is existing building insurance adequate?

Section 23 requires third-party insurance covering risks to passengers using the installation. Building insurance may be adequate only if its actual coverage satisfies this obligation. Machinery breakdown insurance ordinarily addresses equipment damage rather than third-party liability. Obtain written confirmation of covered lifts, passenger risks, limits, exclusions and renewal dates from the insurer.

Section 23 does not specify a uniform sum insured. Review insurer endorsements instead of relying on the name of the policy.

FAQ 17. Can one policy cover multiple lifts and is contractor insurance sufficient?

A policy may cover multiple installations subject to statutory requirements and the insurer’s terms; verify that all installations are included. A contractor’s insurance should not automatically be considered a substitute for the owner’s own compliance under Section 23. Review the insured parties and scope of liability and retain the policy schedule and renewal evidence.

FAQ 18. Can managing committee members face personal liability and what defences are available?

Section 33 addresses offences by covered entities, including associations of persons. Persons in charge of and responsible for the conduct of their affairs may be liable in specified circumstances. Membership alone does not automatically establish liability. The provision recognises defences involving absence of knowledge or exercise of due diligence; consent, connivance or neglect may create separate liability. Document defect reports, decisions, approvals, follow-ups and completed corrective work.

Section 33(2) separately addresses an officer whose consent, connivance or neglect is proved. Preserve actual corrective-action documentation, not merely the minutes of a discussion.

FAQ 19. Can contractors also be liable and can accident victims seek compensation?

Section 25 provides for concurrent liability where malfunctioning safety provisions causing an accident are attributable to the installation or maintenance company. An AMC does not discharge independent owner or licence-holder obligations. Depending on the facts, accidents may also lead to civil compensation claims, insurance claims or proceedings under other applicable laws, separate from statutory penalties.

Passenger Safety and Emergency Procedures

FAQ 20. Can children use lifts without adults and what qualifications apply to operators?

Rule 10(13) requires adult accompaniment for children below 12 using lifts, escalators or moving walks; the specific age restriction does not cover a child who has attained 12. Rule 10(12) requires any lift operator engaged to be at least 18, trained and physically and mentally fit. That provision does not itself require a dedicated operator for every automatic residential lift.

FAQ 21. Which licences and safety notices must be displayed?

Rule 10(8) requires the operating licence to be displayed at ground or entry level or as specified by the Electrical Inspector. Rule 10(9) requires safety boards and symbols in Forms ZH and ZI for lifts and Form ZJ for escalators and moving walks. Notices should remain legible and accessible, including instructions on loading, doors, children and emergencies.

FAQ 22. What should passengers and security staff do during a breakdown or fire?

Trapped passengers should use the alarm or emergency communication facility, remain inside and await trained rescue personnel rather than forcing doors open. Security staff should contact the approved contractor and emergency services as appropriate; technical rescue should be performed only by trained, authorised personnel. During fire, follow prescribed evacuation instructions and authorised emergency directions; ordinary lifts should not be used.

FAQ 23. Can residents tamper with lifts or use them despite warning notices?

Rule 10(10) prohibits wilful interference with installation mechanisms. Section 36 prohibits use when the owner, occupant or operator has warned against it, except for permitted repair personnel. Contravention may attract Section 32 penalties. Residents should report faults and respect barricades and out-of-service notices.

Accident Reporting and Resumption of Operation

FAQ 24. How and when must lift accidents be reported?

Section 15 read with Rule 11 governs reporting. For accidents covered by the provision, arrange immediate intimation and submit Form ZK and the detailed Form ZL report within the prescribed 24-hour period to the Electrical Inspector and local police station. Arrange medical assistance, secure the installation, notify the insurer as applicable and preserve relevant CCTV footage, maintenance records and other evidence. Do not delay reporting until the internal investigation concludes.

FAQ 25. Can a lift restart after an accident or prolonged disconnection?

Where Section 15 restricts resumption following an accident, written permission from the Electrical Inspector is required; a contractor certificate alone is insufficient. Separately, Rule 10(11) requires prescribed site tests by an approved contractor before an installation disconnected for alterations or repairs for six months or more is returned to use. These requirements are distinct and both may be relevant depending on the circumstances.

Licensing, Enforcement and Penalties

FAQ 26. How long is an operating licence valid and when must it be renewed?

Section 8 and Rule 7 set initial operating licence validity at twenty years from grant, with renewal for up to five years at a time subject to safe operation and proper maintenance. Apply in Form Z for lifts or ZA for escalators/moving walks at least 30 days before expiry, with C/D certificates, fee receipt, P/Q test report, contractor fitness certificate, last inspection fee receipt, R/S report and original licence. The Electrical Inspector inspects and communicates defects in Form W; the Superintending Engineer grants or refuses renewal, issued in Form ZB if approved. Major modernisation may be a safety condition under Section 8(5).

FAQ 27. Must a lift be replaced after 20 years?

Section 27 does not impose an unconditional replacement requirement immediately upon completion of 20 years. The technical condition, applicable standards, licence renewal conditions and regulatory directions determine whether modernisation or replacement is necessary. Obtain a professional assessment and budget for ageing equipment rather than treating licence renewal as automatic.

FAQ 28. How can licences be transferred, replaced or amended for major alterations?

Rule 8 provides procedures for ownership transfer and duplicate licences, including where a developer hands over maintenance to a society or the original licence is lost. Section 10 and Rule 10(3) require prior permission for specified alterations affecting basic characteristics or safety. Confirm the applicable approval and supporting documents before changing capacity, speed or other material specifications.

FAQ 29. Who are the regulatory authorities and where can residents complain?

The amended framework assigns specified licensing and enforcement functions to the Superintending Engineer and inspection functions to the Electrical Inspector. Residents may approach the jurisdictional Electrical Inspector about unresolved safety concerns. Societies should maintain the relevant office contact details and provide installation particulars, defect reports and other supporting records when raising a complaint.

FAQ 30. Can unsafe lifts be sealed and can regulatory orders be appealed?

The supplied Amendment Bill, clause 12, revises Section 20: refusal of an operating licence under Section 7(3), suspension or cancellation under Section 19 and renewal conditions under Section 8(5) imposed by the Superintending Engineer may be appealed to the Chief Electrical Inspector within 30 days of the order. Under Section 20(3), an appeal against discontinuation under Section 21(1) does not stay the order unless the Chief Electrical Inspector grants a stay. Clause 14 provides an appeal against sealing to the Chief Electrical Inspector, who must decide within 30 days; that is a disposal period. Section 20(4) provides further appeal against Chief Electrical Inspector orders to the State Government, whose decision is final under the Act. Check the final enacted text for exact wording before filing.

FAQ 31. What penalties apply to owners, contractors or residents for non-compliance?

Section 32 provides for a fine up to ₹50,000 upon conviction and up to ₹1,000 per day for continuing contravention after the first conviction. These are maximum statutory fines, not automatic administrative charges. Residents may also face penalties for prohibited use under Section 36; liability of entities and contractors depends on the conditions under Sections 25 and 33 and other applicable provisions.

Financial and Housing Society Compliance

FAQ 32. Who pays for safety upgrades and can ground-floor members or sinking funds be included?

The responsible owner or maintenance entity must arrange compliance. Recovery from members, including ground-floor members, should follow applicable cooperative society law, registered bye-laws and valid resolutions; specified lift charges may be shared regardless of actual use. Whether sinking funds may be used depends on the purpose of expenditure, applicable law, bye-laws and approvals. Avoid assuming equal recovery or automatic exemption without checking these requirements.

FAQ 33. How should lift expenses be accounted for and what will upgrades cost?

Routine AMC charges, inspections and annual insurance are ordinarily recurring expenses. New equipment and substantial modernisation may qualify as capital expenditure depending on the applicable accounting framework, nature and materiality. No uniform upgrade price was identified in the reviewed Rules. Obtain itemised quotations covering equipment, installation, testing, taxes and warranties; any financial illustration in this article is hypothetical.

FAQ 34. What are the GST and input tax credit implications of lift expenditure?

GST on maintenance, repairs and installation depends on the classification and applicable charging provisions. A registered society should examine the supplier invoice and whether the expenditure relates to taxable supplies, exempt supplies or blocked credits under Section 17(5) of the CGST Act, 2017. Capitalisation alone does not determine eligibility; the nature of the supply and applicable restrictions must be assessed. No blanket ITC entitlement is assumed.

FAQ 35. What immediate action should housing societies take and is a committee resolution necessary?

Start with a lift-wise inventory, licence verification, contractor approval review, insurance check and inspection of missing or defective safety equipment. Schedule monthly maintenance, annual audits and statutory inspections, maintain prescribed records, display notices and establish emergency procedures. A separate committee resolution has not been identified as a universal requirement under the Rules, but documented approvals, assigned responsibilities, budgets and progress reviews are advisable evidence of governance and due diligence.

31. Conclusion

The new framework imposes distinct duties on owners, licence holders and approved contractors. The immediate priorities are monthly maintenance, documented annual audit and statutory inspection, continuous passenger-risk insurance and rectification of unsafe conditions. The October 2027 retrofit target is only for missing devices; it is not a general grace period for all obligations. A managing committee should maintain a lift-wise register, assign accountability and verify completion rather than treating an AMC as sufficient compliance.

32. Source Documents

• Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017 (Maharashtra Act XV of 2018), Gazette 17 January 2018, and commencement notification CEI-2026/CR-135/ENR-1 dated 22 October 2026 (supplied 16-page Gazette compilation).
• L.A. Bill VII of 2026, 4 March 2026, including Statement of Objects and Reasons.
• Bombay High Court Maharashtra Acts 2026 register (Act XII).
• Amendment Act commencement notification dated 23 October 2026 (Gazette copy hosted by Simpliance).
• Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Rules, 2026, Notification CEI-2025/C.R.55/Energy-1, Gazette 28 October 2026, Part IV-B No. 598 (supplied 161-page document; English Rules pages 88–103 and Annexure/forms thereafter).

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and public awareness regarding the Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017, the Amendment Act, 2026 and the Rules notified thereunder. It should not be construed as a substitute for professional legal, engineering, technical, accounting or insurance advice. The applicability of individual statutory provisions may depend on the nature, age, design, location, licensing status and technical specifications of the installation concerned. Housing societies, apartment owners’ associations, developers, building owners and maintenance contractors should independently examine the original statutory instruments, applicable government notifications, technical standards, licence conditions and directions issued by the competent authorities. Appropriate technical assessments should be obtained from approved lift contractors and qualified professionals before undertaking any repairs, modifications, modernisation or replacement of lift equipment. The financial illustrations provided in this article are hypothetical and are not intended to represent prevailing market prices, statutory fees or binding contractor quotations. Accounting treatment, allocation of expenditure among members, utilisation of society funds, GST implications and insurance requirements should be determined independently with reference to applicable laws, contractual terms and professional advice. Readers should also take into account subsequent amendments, circulars, clarifications and regulatory directions that may be issued after publication. In case of any inconsistency between this article and the applicable statutory provisions, the original legislation, Rules and binding regulatory directions shall prevail. Neither the author nor the publisher assumes responsibility for any action taken solely on the basis of this article without appropriate independent verification and professional consultation.