Nearly 5,000 elevators in Uzbekistan have expired service lives — Ministry of Construction
In Uzbekistan, 4973 elevators have reached the end of their set service life, the Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services announced. A deputy drew attention to frequent breakdowns and cases of people getting stuck in elevator cars. To monitor the safety of the equipment, the Xavfsiz lift electronic platform has been implemented.
Almost 5,000 elevators in Uzbekistan have expired operational lifespans — Ministry of Construction
In Uzbekistan, the operational lifespan of 4,973 elevators has expired, Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services Sherzod Khidoyatov announced on October 13 during the "Government Hour" in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.
Zokirjon Zohidov, a deputy from the People's Democratic Party, drew attention to complaints from residents of apartment buildings, including elderly people and persons with disabilities, regarding regular elevator breakdowns and instances of passengers getting trapped in cabs.
He asked why the problems persist despite the implementation of digital control, how many elevators require major repairs or replacement, and whether specific deadlines have been set for their modernization.
In response, Sherzod Khidoyatov stated that one of the reasons for the malfunctions is insufficient maintenance of the equipment.
"Today, 4,973 elevators in the republic have reached the end of their operational lifespan. In addition, untimely maintenance and preventive repairs are becoming a cause of malfunctions," the minister said.
To systematically resolve the problem, 3,274 elevators were updated and 71 were repaired using budget funds between 2021 and 2026.
Furthermore, Presidential Decree (UP-21) of February 16, 2026, provides for the repair and updating of 4,953 elevators by 2030. According to the minister, funds for the implementation of the program have been allocated.
At the same time, Khidoyatov did not specify how many elevators with an expired operational lifespan are still in use and how the repair work already completed correlates with the new modernization program.
According to the Ministry of Construction, an electronic database has been created in Uzbekistan, comprising 19,740 elevators installed in 7,201 buildings. Information on 18,489 operating elevators and 93 organizations involved in their maintenance has been entered separately.
To monitor the condition of the equipment, a unified interdepartmental electronic platform, Xavfsiz lift, enabling remote monitoring, has been operational since May 1, 2025.
As Khidoyatov noted, the system includes requirements for safety, certification, maintenance, and acceptance of elevators. Construction supervision, industrial safety, and technical regulation authorities are involved in the inspections.
"If a developer does not meet all established requirements, the platform will not accept the elevator. And until the elevator is accepted through the Xavfsiz lift system, the residential building will not be commissioned at all," the minister emphasized.
He explained that to accept an elevator, it is necessary to upload documents proving its compliance with safety requirements, conclude a contract with a service organization, ensure working communication and video surveillance, as well as a connection to a dispatch center.
"If we do not constantly monitor elevators, carry out their maintenance, and ensure responsibility for their safety, this will lead to serious problems. Therefore, all these requirements are included in the electronic platform," Khidoyatov stated.
According to the minister, the new system should ensure stable operation of elevators and increase the safety of their use.
In July, the government of Uzbekistan approved a procedure for the technical inspection of elevators, which provides for a mandatory check at least once a year. They will be color-coded — from green ("usable") to red ("dangerous"). The document also establishes qualification requirements for inspectors.