Lift Installations in Himachal Now Require Mandatory Licensing in Public and Private Buildings
Shimla, July 10:
The Himachal Pradesh government is set to enforce stricter compliance with lift safety regulations across the state. According to Dr. Abhishek Jain, Secretary, Public Works Department, it will now be mandatory to obtain official approval and a valid license before installing lifts in both public and private buildings. This step, he said, aims to strengthen public safety and accountability.
Dr. Jain highlighted that under the Himachal Pradesh Lift Act, 2009, it is compulsory to apply for registration and approval within one month of installing a lift. However, public awareness of this law has remained limited. Until August 2024, only about 1,000 lifts had been registered—though that number has since increased to 1,900. Currently, approximately 3,500 lifts are operational across the state, of which 1,500 are still unregistered. The department has already issued notices in many such cases.
Acting on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s directives, the department has developed a fully digital process for lift installation, licensing, renewal, and inspection. Applicants can now apply via edistrict.hp.gov.in and complete fee payments online.
Dr. Jain noted that 3,500 lift inspections have been conducted as of June 2025, a significant rise from just 750 inspections by August of the previous year. It is now mandatory for every operational lift to display its registration and license details clearly. This initiative has not only reduced the number of lift-related accidents but also enhanced public confidence in lift safety.
He further revealed that from February to June 2025 alone, the department has generated ₹5.58 lakh in revenue—compared to just ₹7.5 lakh collected over the entire 16-year period since the Act was enacted. This improvement is attributed to better digital recordkeeping, transparent audit trails, and streamlined enforcement against unauthorized lift installations. The shift to an online system has also minimized financial leakages and ensured timely approvals, inspections, and renewals—ultimately boosting government revenue.
Dr. Jain credited the success of this initiative to a five-member team from the Electrical Wing of the Public Works Department, who developed the online portal and strengthened the framework for safety, accountability, and financial transparency.
In closing, he urged all individuals or establishments planning to install lifts—or currently operating lifts without valid licenses—to immediately register and obtain the necessary approvals in accordance with the law to avoid legal consequences and ensure public safety.
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