Elevator Safety in Urban India: Embracing Technology for Safer Vertical Growth

As India’s urbanization accelerates, the demand for elevators surges. Elevators, integral to our daily lives in residential, industrial, and commercial settings, are the lifelines of urban development. Ensuring their safety is paramount. Over the years, the elevator industry has undergone a significant transformation. With the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and inclusive design, elevators have become more accessible, safer, and integral to vertical mobility.

According to growth projections by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), 68% of the world’s population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050. This translates to approximately 2.5 billion more people in cities, with 35% of this growth concentrated in India, China, and Nigeria. India’s tier-1 and tier-2 cities are witnessing a surge in high-rise construction, driving greater reliance on elevators. The proliferation of multi-story residential buildings, shopping malls, and office complexes has fuelled the industry’s rapid expansion.

This article explores the latest safety technologies shaping the Indian elevator market and the sector’s rapid growth:
Technological advancement in elevator safety
The traditional approach to maintaining elevators involved technicians attending to malfunctions only after they occurred. This may take time and harm property operations. However, IoT and AI use predictive maintenance to foresee possible problems before they happen. This strategy improves the operation and experience for all the engaged parties.

Power of AI in predictive maintenance – One of the elevator industry’s transfor-mative innovations is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive maintenance. AI can monitor real-time data elevator sensors and key components like cables, motors, and doors. AI algorithms can detect potential equipment failures by observing their regular functioning. It increases the elevator’s lifespan and reduces the amount of time that elevators are out of service, which, as a result, saves a lot of costs.

IoT-enabled smart elevator: Elevators are now equipped with IoT, which allows them to gather data on their every move. This facilitates AI examination of patterns and forecasting maintenance needs. The elevator also shares an update with the building management system (BMS), including diagnostics, energy consumption, and operational status. Through this, building managers can identify issues such as door malfunctions or irregular elevator movement and take immediate action. These systems manage traffic more frequently, reducing congestion during peak hours and ensuring safe travel times.

Earthquake-Resistant Technologies: Particularly seismic zones of India, such as northeastern states, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra, are at risk of earthquakes. As a result, earthquake-resistant elevator systems have become a critical safety feature. They are equipped with advanced sensors that detect such activity, automatically stop at the nearest floor, and open doors to allow passengers to exit safely.

Regenerative Drives for Energy Efficiency and Safety: These drives have become most common in modern systems, capturing energy generated during an elevator’s downward movement. The technology reduces the elevator’s energy consumption and enhances safety by providing a reliable backup during power outages. It supports building sustainability goals and passenger safety, making elevators more efficient and reliable in emergen-cies and power outages. Regenerative drives have become popular in residential and commercial elevator installations.

Regulatory Framework and Safety Standards
In India, elevator safety is governed by a combination of standards and regula-tions set by bodies such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the National Building Code of India (NBC). The IS 14665 standard, for instance, outlines the specifications for the design, construction, and maintenance of elevators in India, ensuring they meet high safety standards.

Additionally, the Lift Inspectors Association of India (LIAI) plays a vital role in promoting safety by ensuring regular inspections and certifications of elevators. Compliance with these safety standards is mandatory for all new installations, and existing elevators must continue operating without risk to passengers.

Conclusion
As India’s urban landscape evolves, the focus on elevator safety will intensify. Emerging technologies, such as 5G communication for faster data transfer and biometric security for access control, are expected to redefine safety standards.

Environmental concerns will also drive the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, making elevators both safer and more sustainable. The rise of smart cities and automation in building systems will continue to propel the demand for advanced elevator solutions.

Safety remains a cornerstone of the elevator industry. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and adhering to strict safety standards, India’s elevator manufacturers and operators are ensuring secure and efficient vertical transportation. As the industry advances, we can anticipate even more innovative features enhancing the future of elevator systems.

TK Elevator India
Web : www.tkelevator.com/in-en