The key facts
- 4,973 elevators in Uzbekistan have exceeded their service life, Minister Sherzod Khidoyatov reported on October 13
- In 2021–2026, 3,274 elevators were replaced and 71 repaired; by 2030, repairs and replacement of 4,953 elevators are planned
- Since May 1, 2025, the electronic platform Xavfsiz lift has been operating for remote monitoring of elevators
Minister reported on the state of elevators to deputies
In Uzbekistan, 4,973 elevators have exceeded their service life. This was reported by Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services Sherzod Khidoyatov on October 13 at a 'Government Hour' in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis. The issue was raised by deputy from the People's Democratic Party Zokirjon Zokhidov, drawing attention to complaints from residents of apartment buildings, including elderly people and persons with disabilities, about frequent elevator breakdowns and cases where passengers get stuck in cabins. The deputy asked why the problems persist despite the introduction of digital monitoring, how many elevators need major repairs or replacement, and whether deadlines for their replacement have been set.
Causes of malfunctions and replacement programs
According to Khidoyatov, one of the causes of malfunctions is insufficient technical maintenance of equipment. 'Today in the republic, 4,973 elevators have exceeded their service life. In addition, untimely technical maintenance and preventive repairs are also a cause of malfunctions,' the minister stated. To address the problem in stages, in 2021–2026, 3,274 elevators were replaced and 71 repaired using budget funds. By a presidential decree (UP-21) of February 16, 2026, repairs and replacement of 4,953 elevators are planned by 2030; according to the minister, funds for the program's implementation have been allocated. At the same time, Khidoyatov did not specify how many elevators with expired service life continue to be used and how the figures of already completed repairs relate to the new modernization program.
Electronic database and the Xavfsiz lift platform
According to the Ministry of Construction, an electronic database of 19,740 elevators installed in 7,201 buildings has been formed in the country. Information on 18,489 elevators in operation and 93 organizations servicing them has been entered separately. Since May 1, 2025, a unified interdepartmental electronic platform Xavfsiz lift has been operating, allowing remote monitoring of equipment condition. The system provides requirements for safety, certification, technical maintenance and acceptance of elevators; construction supervision, industrial safety and technical regulation bodies are involved in inspections.
Conditions for elevator acceptance
'If a developer fails to fulfill 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 accepted for operation at all,' the minister emphasized. To accept an elevator, it is necessary to upload documents confirming its compliance with safety requirements, conclude an agreement with a service organization, ensure working communication and video surveillance, as well as connection to a dispatch center. 'If we do not constantly monitor elevators, carry out their maintenance and ensure accountability for their safety, this will lead to serious problems. Therefore, all these requirements are included in the electronic platform,' Khidoyatov stated. According to him, the new system should ensure stable operation of elevators and improve the safety of their operation.
New inspection procedure
In July, the government of Uzbekistan approved the procedure for technical inspection of elevators, providing for mandatory checks at least once a year. Elevators will be marked by color — from green ('fit for use') to red ('dangerous'). The document also defines qualification requirements for inspectors.
