India’s elevator industry seeks ‘One Nation, One Lift Law’

India’s elevators and escalators sector, among the world’s fastest-growing vertical mobility markets, is seeking a unified ‘One Nation, One Lift Law’ (ONOL) to improve safety, simplify regulations and enable sustainable growth. 

With annual elevator sales nearing 1 lakh units, driven by rapid urbanisation and high-rise construction, the need for a national framework has become critical, industry executives said. 

Today, elevators account for nearly 97% of vertical mobility installations, with 65–70% demand from residential real estate, 25% from commercial developments, and 10% from infrastructure projects including airports, metro stations, hospitals and public buildings. However, fragmented state lift laws continue to create compliance inefficiencies, they added.

“The harmonisation of lift rules into a single national code will ensure uniform safety standards and faster adoption of new technologies,” said Amit Gossain, MD, KONE Elevators and Chairman, Elevators & Escalators Division, IEEMA, in a statement.

Industry leaders estimate that a national lift law could boost productivity by 20–25%, promote manufacturing localisation and enhance export competitiveness by aligning India with global standards. The move would also benefit thousands of MSMEs and skilled workers across manufacturing, installation and maintenance through uniform licensing and certification norms, they said.

Anita Raghunath, Director, Virgo Communications, which has scheduled to organise Smart Lift & Mobility World (SLMW) 2026, an industry show in Bengaluru from 5 to 7 February 226, said, “The event will serve as a collaborative platform for shaping the future of vertical mobility. ‘One Nation, One Lift Law’ connects safety, urban governance and industrial growth.” 

According to IMARC Group, India’s elevator and escalator market stood at $ 14.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $22.2 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.3%.

“By 2030, over 40% of India’s population will live in urban areas, accelerating the need for robust vertical infrastructure,” said Nakul Gupta, Senior Consultant, IMARC Services.

“A national lift law will simplify compliance, reduce costs and ensure consistent passenger safety across India,” said Krishnakumar Ravi, President & CEO, PAPL Corp.