Bhopal: A lift incident at a five-star hotel in Bhopal, in which the wife of a senior IAS officer and two others were trapped for around 20–25 minutes, has prompted the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) to launch a wider inspection of lift and fire-safety arrangements.
The incident occurred on Sunday at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Bhopal. Following information about the occupants being trapped, a joint team from the BMC’s fire brigade, electrical and health departments reached the hotel and rescued them safely.
What did the BMC inspection find?
A subsequent inspection of the hotel’s lifts and safety arrangements found several deficiencies, according to civic officials.
- The lift involved in the incident did not have an Automatic Rescue Device (ARD).
- Mandatory monthly maintenance had not been carried out, with the scheduled maintenance due on August 31, 2026 still pending.
- The civic team also examined the hotel’s fire-safety equipment, emergency exits and evacuation arrangements and found shortcomings against prescribed standards.
- The BMC’s health department checked the hotel’s food safety licence and related documents.
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The corporation subsequently temporarily sealed all three lifts at the hotel. Officials also noted that the property had previously been inspected and issued notices regarding compliance with safety requirements.
BMC plans wider inspection drive
Following the incident, BMC Commissioner Sanskriti Jain has directed officials to prepare a special inspection drive covering lifts in hotels, hospitals, commercial complexes and other multi-storey buildings across Bhopal.
The proposed inspections will examine lift maintenance records, ARD systems, safety certificates and other prescribed safety requirements. Establishments found violating safety norms may face action, including sealing measures, officials said.
The civic body’s latest action comes as part of a wider effort to check compliance with lift and building-safety requirements across the city.
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