Now, third-party insurance must for lift accidents

Mumbai: From now on, there will be compulsory third-party insurance for elevator accidents.

The state Cabinet on Tuesday approved the proposal by amending the Lifts Act, 1939. It will apply to all residential, commercial and government buildings, energy department officials said. This provision has been made due to the increase in elavator accidents.

Because of urbanisation, the number of high-rise buildings is increasing. New, advanced technology is now being used for escalators. So there was a need to make a change in the provisions of the Lift Act, energy department officials said.

While many accidents are taking place due to improper maintenance of lifts and casualties are also reported in some cases, there was no provision in the Act to provide any financial help to the victim.

Now, the energy department has drawn up new rules under the Act, for lifts that are manufactured using new technology. A committee under the chairmanship of chief electricity officer submitted a report in this regard to the government. The Cabinet has decided to make changes in the Act during the Winter Session of the state Assembly.

Now, minimum amount of compensation will be decided for third-party insurance. The owner of the building will be responsible to provide insurance cover. Energy department officials told The Asian Age that thousands of buildings in Mumbai are given out on rental basis and many have old elevators. Their owners do not do proper maintenance, which could lead to problems in such buildings, they said. Officials said insurance cover is required for users of elevators in such buildings.