The Delhi government Monday approved the draft of the Lifts and Escalators Bill 2013, which envisages better periodical inspection, testing and certification of lifts and escalators in the capital.
Delhi does not have its own law to regulate the use of lifts.
The Delhi government refers to the Bombay Lift Act, 1939, which has no rules for escalators.
The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.
The draft bill will be sent to the central government for approval and then placed in the assembly.
"Earlier, the Delhi government would grant licences for running lifts, but now people will have to get it registered from a department of the Delhi government," said an official.
The draft also proposes criminal prosecution of lift owners in case of accidents due to malfunctioning.
"With installation of a large number of lifts, escalators and walkways, there is a need of better periodical inspection, testing and certification of lifts and escalators," Dikshit said.
