Background
The Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017 was enacted to consolidate and update the legal framework governing the installation, maintenance, and operation of lifts, escalators, and moving walks within the state of Maharashtra. The 2017 Act was introduced to reflect the growing use of automated people-moving systems in urban infrastructure and ensure public safety through stringent technical and operational standards.
Applicability
This Act is applicable to:
Compliance requirement under the Act
An application for the renewal of licence granted under sub-section (3) shall be submitted to the Chief Electrical Inspector through concerned Electrical Inspector (Lifts) at least thirty days prior to the date of expiry of licence or renewed licence.
After the accident, the lift, escalator, or moving walk installation must not be interfered with in any way. The working of the equipment should not be resumed except with the written permission of the Electrical Inspector (Lifts). This is to ensure that the necessary safety measures are taken and the equipment is thoroughly inspected and certified safe before it is put back into operation.
A lift or escalator or moving walk installed in the premises may be replaced by the owner of the lift or escalator or moving walk, after the period of twenty years of its installation or as directed by the Electrical Inspector (Lifts) under section 8.
No person shall use lift, escalator or moving walk, when owner, occupant or operator declares or puts up a warning that such lift, escalator or moving walk shall not be used as such as lift, escalator or moving walk.
Every lift, escalator or moving walk shall be inspected periodically at least once in a year.
The owner shall, after the completion of the erection of such lift or escalator or moving walk, ensure third party insurance so as to cover the risk of passengers using such lift or escalator or moving walk.
The owner shall maintain a log book for each lift, escalator or moving walk and enter therein the details of operation, break-down (other than failure in electrical supply) and accident, if any. These log books may be inspected by the Electrical Inspector (Lifts) as and when he so desires.
Penalties & Punishments
As per Section 32: Whoever contravenes any of the provisions of this Act, rules or conditions of a licence or a direction given by the Electrical Inspector (Lifts) under this Act or the rules, shall, on conviction, be punished with a fine which may extend to rupees fifty thousand and, in the case of a continuing contravention, with an additional fine which may extend to rupees one thousand for every day during which such contravention continues after conviction for the first such contravention.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017 is a critical piece of legislation aimed at enhancing public safety and ensuring the proper functioning of automated vertical and horizontal transport systems. By expanding the scope of the earlier law and incorporating newer technologies, the Act introduces a more robust regulatory mechanism for inspection, certification, and penal actions. It ensures that developers and building owners take necessary precautions and follow technical standards, thereby reducing the risks of accidents and malfunctions in high-traffic public areas. Overall, this law plays a significant role in aligning Maharashtra’s urban infrastructure with modern safety norms and operational efficiency.
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