MUMBAI – Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled ambitious plans Wednesday to overhaul the state’s elevator oversight mechanism, creating 519 fresh posts to tackle the mounting challenges of lift maintenance. With over 210,000 lifts humming in buildings statewide and 25,000 more greenlit recently, the pressure on current inspectors is immense.
Speaking in the legislative assembly, Fadnavis responded to questions from Niranjan Davkhare and Sachin Ahir on emergency handling in residential complexes. He revealed that while new hires will bolster capacity immediately, future expansions are inevitable given urbanization trends. ‘Our goal is rapid rescue in crises,’ he affirmed.
Key reforms include adopting a third-party audit model akin to fire safety protocols in Mumbai. Lifts must undergo certified technical checks, with mandatory display of inspection details inside cabins – from dates to expiry. This transparency aims to enforce accountability.
Legislative backing arrives via a new bill in the ongoing session, granting inspectors enhanced powers. A prestigious panel, featuring top municipal commissioners and electricity officials, will craft detailed standards for upkeep, check intervals, tech specs, and manufacturer duties within half a year.
Shifting gears, Fadnavis addressed predatory lending woes. Illegal moneylenders’ debts hold no legal weight, and victims are urged to report fearlessly. Licensed operators overcharging face license cancellation, FIRs, and full restitution for borrowers. This dual-pronged safety net reflects a governance focused on citizen welfare amid rapid city growth.