Himachal makes Lift registration mandatory, tightens safety norms across buildings
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, July 10,
In a major push for public safety and regulatory compliance, the Himachal Pradesh government has enforced mandatory registration, licensing, and routine inspection of all elevators—whether in government or private establishments—under the Himachal Pradesh Lift Act, 2009.
Dr. Abhishek Jain, Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), announced that the entire process for lift installation approval, renewal, and fee payment has now been made fully digital through the state’s e-governance platform edistrict.hp.gov.in. This initiative is in line with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s emphasis on prioritizing citizen safety through governance reforms.
According to official figures, nearly 2,500 lifts were operating without registration across Himachal Pradesh until August 2024. However, recent enforcement drives have significantly increased compliance. “The number of registered lifts has jumped from just 1,000 last year to 1,900 by June 2025. Notices have already been sent to the remaining 1,500 unregistered operators,” informed Dr. Jain.
The intensified focus on regulation has also reflected in improved revenue figures. While the state earned only ₹7.5 lakh from lift-related compliance over the 16 years since the law was enacted, a sharp uptick was seen between February and June 2025, with ₹5.58 lakh generated in just five months.
A key reform has been the implementation of regular safety audits and the introduction of an automatic renewal mechanism for licenses, which has helped bring down the number of lift-related incidents across the state. By June 2025, inspections had been carried out for over 3,500 lifts—compared to only 750 audits completed by August 2024.
To further tighten norms, it is now mandatory for all elevators to prominently display their registration and license certificates inside the cabin. Moreover, obtaining technical clearance and a valid license is compulsory before any new lift is installed.
Officials highlight that these upgraded safety protocols will boost public trust—not just for residents but also for tourists visiting the hill state. Given that tourism is a major contributor to Himachal Pradesh’s economy, improved building safety standards are expected to enhance the reputation and reliability of hospitality and commercial establishments alike.
As the state moves towards full digital integration and better enforcement, the Lift Act is emerging as a vital tool to ensure structural safety and accountable development in Himachal Pradesh.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
