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Noida Authority permits lift installation in three storey buildings

Rishabh Chamoli | 2023-07-18

In an important development, the Noida Authority has permitted elevator installation in three and four storey housing buildings. This decision has been taken for the convenience of the elderly citizens. More than 35,000 homeowners are expected to benefit from this announcement.

The Noida Authority has cleared a new policy for the installation of lifts in low rise buildings. This notification would enable the installation of lifts in three storey buildings. The move has come as a respite for elderly residents who have trouble climbing stairs. However, the Authority has clearly laid out norms for installing lifts for such buildings.

Building codes for lifts in low rise buildings in Noida

According to the building codes in force, elevators are only mandatory if the buildings have more than five floors. Officials said the agency had been approached by residents for several years asking it to allow elevators in multi storey buildings higher than three stories. But so far, there has been a relaxation for apartments up to four floors. Because of this, the citys old buildings, both government and private, have no elevators.

The demand for lifts for buildings less than five floors

In recent years, many seniors have contacted the Noida Authority to request elevators in buildings with more than three floors. They highlighted the fact that due to age, they found it tough to climb stairs. In 2015, a committee led by the then deputy chief executive officer of the Noida Authority proposed installing elevators in low rise buildings. But the plan never materialised.

Conditions imposed for lifts in buildings with less than five floors

The eight year old proposal was presented at the last board meeting of the Authority in December and later approved. However, the Authority has set some conditions. Applicants must now obtain clearance certificates from the residents of the first and second floors and approval from the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) and fire department. The applicant also has to bear the cost of installation. The applicant must also provide the Authority with an affidavit, accompanied by a detailed map of the block and towers showing height and the surrounding area.

Impact of installing lifts on the Noidas real estate market

It is expected that 35,000 homeowners in the city will benefit from this decision. There are many housing projects in sectors such as 34,35,52, 61 and 82 where the Noida Authority had built low rise buildings without providing elevators. Experts say installing lifts, besides adding convenience for homeowners, will also add incremental value to home prices. Higher floors with lifts will likely get better resale value and more buyers.

However, while the Authority has allowed the installation of lifts, the costs would be high for installation as well as maintenance. Also, homeowners would have to take upon the responsibility of regular maintenance and upkeep of the elevator.