Maharashtra makes Fire Evacuation Lift Mandatory in High-Rise Buildings

Maharashtra has become the first State in India to make Fire Evacuation Lifts mandatory for buildings 70 meters and above since January 2018 in what is termed as the solution to mounting emergencies during fire-fighting and provide a safe evacuation mechanism for people and assist Fire Officers to save lives and assets.

A circular issued by Maharashtra’s Energy Department in conjunction with Municipal Corporation and Fire Department has made it mandatory to install and operate a fire evacuation lift in every high-rise building scaling 70-meters and above since January 2018. The Energy Department has issued the Circular as “Advisory on installation of the fire evacuation lifts in the high-rise buildings having height 70 meters and above.”

The implementation of the new Circular shall be effective immediately from the date of issue for the upcoming Fire Evacuation Lift installations and shall apply with retrospective effect to the existing Fire Evacuation Lift installations.