New lift standards for PwDs to force redesigns for India’s property, infrastructure developers

The move to impose stricter technical and functional requirements is seen as a new step in the Accessible India campaign launched in 2015 with the aim of improving mobility and access. Divyangjans Across buildings, workplaces, public transport and daily infrastructure, two people said they were aware of the issue.

Elevator manufacturers and infrastructure developers will have to comply with the norms.

Under the proposed framework, disabled elevators should be located along accessible routes, with defined entrance designs and minimum clear door openings, one person said.

The dimensions of the elevator car will be standardized to accommodate wheelchair users and have increased requirements for public buildings, this person added, while stricter stopping and leveling norms are aimed at reducing the risk of trips and falls.

Inconsistent interpretations and unequal enforcement have often led to elevators being difficult or unsafe to use. disabled people. There are 26.8 million disabled people in India, i.e. 2.21% of the population.

“The proposal to update elevator standards for people with disabilities addresses a long-standing gap in India’s accessibility framework,” said Jaijit Bhattacharya, founder and chairman of the Center for Digital Economy Policy Research, a policy think tank. “Although accessibility is mandated under the RPwD Act, inconsistent technical standards and poor practices lead to limited results. Clear, harmonized elevator norms embedded in building regulations could bring significant improvement.” mobilityIndependence and participation for people with disabilities.”

The standards proposed as part of the government’s Accessible India campaign will replace existing norms and form part of the broader framework regulating lifts for the transport of people and goods, and will be aligned with the Harmonized Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility (2021) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Rules, 2023 (RPwD Act).

“This marks a meaningful step towards more inclusive built environments,” said Amit Gossain, managing director, KONE India and South Asia. “Accessibility is a key design principle in our smart mobility solutions, enabling safe, intuitive and independent mobility for people with different physical and sensory needs.”

Elevator door operations

“The standards also emphasize door operations and security, including adjustable door dwell times (the amount of time doors remain fully open before starting to close) and contactless door sensors to ensure adequate time for users to enter and exit without assistance. Interior requirements include handrails, adequate lighting, non-slip flooring, and seating conditions, recognizing that accessibility goes beyond just entering the elevator car,” the second person said.

The standards place great emphasis on inclusive communication in elevators.

“The control panels are proposed to include tactile cues and braille, as well as visual and audio displays to support users with varying disabilities,” this person said, adding that emergency communications systems are expected to be accessible and simple to use, while automated rescue arrangements are intended to minimize distress during an emergency. strength malfunctions or malfunctions.

“We support seamless movement for everyone with features such as wheelchair-friendly cabins, extended door timings, haptic and voice guidance and responsive control panels,” said KONE’s Gossain.

Questions sent to a Bureau of Indian Standards spokesperson remained unanswered at the time of publication.

From a policy perspective, future standards are important because they embed accessibility directly into technical specifications rather than treating it as an add-on.

Elevator manufacturers and infrastructure developers said early clarification of final requirements will help them plan product design, certification and supply timelines, especially at a time when India’s urban infrastructure is rapidly expanding and the demand for retrofits in older buildings is increasing.

“We look forward to working with policymakers, developers and advocacy groups to promote effective implementation and advance truly inclusive mobility across the country,” Gossain said.