Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A total of 4,973 lifts in Uzbekistan have exceeded their service life, and the country plans to repair or modernise 4,953 lifts by 2030, Construction and Housing and Communal Services Minister Sherzod Khidoyatov said on 13 October.
He made the statement during a Government Hour in the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis.
The issue was raised by Zokirjon Zokhidov, a deputy representing the People’s Democratic Party. He drew attention to complaints from residents of apartment buildings, including older people and people with disabilities, about frequent lift breakdowns and incidents in which passengers become trapped inside lift cabins.
The deputy also asked why these problems persist despite the introduction of digital monitoring and when the equipment would be replaced.
According to the minister, one of the reasons for the malfunctions is inadequate technical maintenance and delays in carrying out preventive repairs.
Between 2021 and 2026, Uzbekistan replaced 3,274 lifts and repaired another 71 using budget funds. A presidential decree dated February 16, 2026, also provides for the phased replacement and repair of 4,953 lifts by 2030. Khidoyatov said funding for the programme had been allocated.
However, the minister did not specify how many lifts that have exceeded their service life remain in operation or how the work already completed compares with the targets under the new modernisation programme.
Digital monitoring and safety requirements
Uzbekistan has established an electronic database containing information on 19,740 lifts in 7,201 buildings. The system separately records 18,489 lifts currently in operation and 93 organisations providing lift maintenance services.
Since May 1, 2025, a unified interagency electronic platform called Xavfsiz lift has been operating to enable remote monitoring.
The platform is designed to monitor compliance with lift safety requirements, certification rules, maintenance standards and equipment acceptance procedures. Construction supervision, industrial safety and technical regulation authorities are involved in inspections.
Khidoyatov explained that developers must upload documents confirming that lifts comply with safety requirements, sign contracts with maintenance providers, ensure functioning communication systems and video surveillance, and connect the equipment to a dispatch centre.
According to the minister, the platform will not accept a lift unless these conditions are met, and the residential building will not be commissioned.
In July 2025, the government also approved procedures for technical inspections of lifts, requiring them to be inspected at least once a year.
Under the rules, equipment is to be marked according to its condition: green indicates that a lift is fit for operation, while red indicates that it poses a safety risk. The procedures also establish qualification requirements for inspectors.
Khidoyatov stressed that regular inspections and timely maintenance are essential to ensuring the safe operation of lifts.