India Escalator Market Overview, 2029

The escalator market in India is witnessing significant growth, driven by urbanization, infrastructure development, and increasing demand for efficient vertical transportation solutions. As cities expand and high-rise buildings become more common, the need for escalators and elevators has surged, particularly in commercial spaces, residential complexes, and public transport systems like metros. To ensure safety and efficiency in escalator operations, India has established several mandatory certifications and standards. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a crucial role in setting these standards, which include IS 14665 for escalators and lifts. Compliance with these standards is essential for manufacturers and operators to ensure safety and reliability. Additionally, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has initiated policies promoting smart city projects, which often incorporate advanced vertical transportation systems, thereby enhancing the market's growth potential. KONE is a leader in the market, focusing on smart and energy-efficient solutions. Their DX class elevators are equipped with IoT technology, enabling predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring, which enhances reliability and user experience. KONE's commitment to sustainability aligns with India's green building initiatives, making them a crucial player in the market. One of the most significant challenges is the high cost associated with the repair and maintenance of escalators. Although these systems typically have a long lifespan, ongoing operational issues require regular inspections and maintenance, which can be costly for building owners and operators. The evolving regulatory landscape poses another challenge. Manufacturers and building owners must continuously adapt to new safety and accessibility standards, which can be complex and costly. Retrofitting older systems to comply with these regulations can disrupt operations and incur additional expenses.

According to the research report "India Escalator Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the India escalator market is anticipated to grow at more than 7.59% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. As urbanization accelerates, the demand for efficient vertical transportation solutions is increasing, particularly in metropolitan areas and tier II cities. Escalators are predominantly used in commercial complexes, shopping malls, airports, metro stations, and residential buildings, making them essential for facilitating smooth movement in high-traffic environments. The expansion of high-speed metro systems in major cities is a significant catalyst for India market growth. These projects not only enhance public transportation but also create a demand for escalators in metro stations, facilitating smooth passenger movement. Increased disposable income among the population has led to greater investments in residential and commercial infrastructure in India. This trend is particularly evident in tier I and tier II cities, where the construction of malls, office spaces, and residential complexes is on the rise. The market is witnessing a shift towards smart escalators equipped with IoT technology, predictive maintenance, and energy-efficient designs. These innovations are not only improving operational efficiency but also enhancing user experience. In inda, manufacturers are focused on developing energy-efficient escalators to reduce energy consumption. This includes regenerative drives that capture and reuse energy, LED lighting, and smart controls that optimize energy usage based on traffic patterns. These technologies contribute to sustainability goals and lower operating costs. Safety is a top priority, leading to the development of enhanced safety features in escalators. These include sensors that detect overcrowding, automatic emergency braking systems, and touchless controls to reduce the spread of germs. As safety regulations become stricter, these features are becoming standard in new installations and retrofits.

Parallel escalators are the most commonly used type in India, found in shopping malls, airports, and metro stations. These escalators operate independently, allowing for smooth and continuous movement between different levels of a building. Their popularity stems from their efficiency in managing high passenger volumes, particularly in crowded environments where quick access is essential. Multi-parallel escalators consist of multiple escalators running side by side, often used in large commercial complexes and transport hubs. This configuration allows for increased capacity and faster movement of people, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. In India, where urbanization is rapidly increasing, the demand for such systems is growing, especially in metro stations where large crowds need to be accommodated efficiently. Moving walkways, or travelators, are increasingly being integrated into airports and large shopping centers in India. They facilitate the movement of pedestrians over longer distances, enhancing the overall passenger experience. As airports expand and shopping malls grow larger, the use of walkways is becoming more prevalent, providing convenience for users and improving traffic flow. Other escalator types include inclined escalators, which are often used in hilly terrains or specific architectural designs, and scenic escalators that offer aesthetic value in addition to functionality. These types are less common but are gaining traction in specialized applications, such as in tourist attractions or unique architectural projects.

The commercial sector is the largest segment in the escalator market, driven by the construction of high-rise office buildings, shopping malls, and hotels. With the burgeoning corporate landscape, particularly in metropolitan areas like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai, there is a high demand for escalators that not only facilitate efficient movement but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of commercial spaces. Building owners are increasingly investing in visually striking escalators, such as glass-walled and scenic models, to attract tenants and customers. Additionally, the emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability is leading to the adoption of escalators equipped with regenerative drives and LED lighting, aligning with the growing focus on green building initiatives. The public transit sector is another critical vertical for escalators in India, particularly with the expansion of metro rail systems in major cities. Escalators are essential in metro stations, providing seamless access between different levels and improving passenger flow. The rapid development of metro networks is driving the demand for escalators that can handle high volumes of commuters efficiently. This segment is characterized by a focus on safety and accessibility, with escalators designed to accommodate diverse user needs, including those with disabilities. Other applications of escalators include their use in airports, hospitals, and educational institutions. These settings require escalators that can facilitate smooth movement in areas with varying foot traffic. The growing trend towards customization in this segment allows for tailored solutions that meet specific operational requirements and enhance user experience.

New installations account for a significant portion of the escalator market in India, driven by the rapid urbanization and infrastructure development across the country. As cities expand and high-rise buildings become more common, the demand for escalators in commercial spaces, shopping malls, and public transit hubs like metro stations continues to rise. Building owners and developers prioritize efficient vertical transportation solutions that can handle large volumes of foot traffic while enhancing the overall user experience. Manufacturers are responding to this demand by offering customized escalator solutions tailored to specific project requirements, including variations in design, size, and functionality. The maintenance and repair segment is essential for ensuring the smooth and safe operation of escalators throughout their lifespan. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, extend the useful life of equipment, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. As the installed base of escalators grows, the demand for maintenance and repair services is also increasing. Building owners and facility managers are recognizing the importance of proactive maintenance in reducing downtime and minimizing the impact on operations. Manufacturers and service providers are offering advanced maintenance solutions, such as predictive maintenance based on IoT data and remote monitoring, to optimize the performance and reliability of escalators. Other solutions in the escalator market include modernization and upgrades. As escalators age, building owners may opt to modernize their systems to improve efficiency, safety, and aesthetics. Modernization projects can involve replacing outdated components, integrating smart technologies, and enhancing the overall user experience. This segment is gaining traction as building owners seek to extend the useful life of their escalators while keeping up with evolving market demands and technological advancements.



COVID-19 impacts:
The elevator and escalator business has been significantly damaged in recent years as a result of lockdowns implemented in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in December 2019. The COVID-19 epidemic has hindered the construction industry's expansion in recent years, generating delays that can be ascribed to various damaged supply chains. The elevator and escalator manufacturers, as well as the overall construction industry, are expected to face a number of challenges as most commercial projects are likely to be left incomplete or delayed due to supply chain disruptions, cash flow constraints, workforce unavailability, and production shutdowns. The demand for elevators and escalators is expected to rise in the coming years as various governments of India prepare to gradually lift the lockdowns. As the lockdowns progressively cease, the construction sector is expected to increase. As commercial developments resume throughout the world, demand for elevators and escalators is expected to rise in the upcoming years.

Considered in this report
• Geography: India
• Historic Year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• India Elevator & Escalator Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Application wise tire industry distribution
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type:
• Parallel
• Multi-parallel
• Walkway
• Others

By Industrial Vertical:
• Commercial
• Public transit
• Others

By Solution:
• New Installation
• Maintenance & Repair
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to elevator & escalator industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.