SEBI JOSEPH ON WHY INDIA MUST UPGRADE ITS AGEING ELEVATORS

Q You took charge of Otis India at a time when much of India’s vertical infrastructure was already  ageing. How has the meaning of “modernisation” evolved for you since 2015? Is it still about  upgrades, or about future-proofing entire urban systems?

Sebi Joseph: As of 2025, there are an estimated 22 million elevators operating around the world – around 8  million are 15 to 20 years old, and ready for modernisation. Modernising elevators is an effective way to enhance buildings with the latest technologies and  improve passenger safety and experience. An investment in the future, modernisation offers improved safety, reliability, energy efficiency and customer experience. It plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility for all building users – upgrading to meet the latest  accessibility standards and empowering people to move independently – which will become  increasingly important as the population ages – after all, by 2050, one in five people in India will be over 60. 

Q India has millions of lifts installed between the 1990s and early 2000s. From a safety and  performance standpoint, how urgent has the modernisation problem become today?

Sebi Joseph: The need for modernisation is significant as India’s vast stock of elevators from the 1990s and early  2000s begin to age. As buildings grow smarter and cities denser, older elevators must keep pace  with expectations of increased safety, performance and connectivity with building management systems. This is where the expertise of Otis, from a vast field network to predictive digital tools, is  highly relevant for our customers, as we help transform ageing assets into systems that can serve  communities for years to come.

Q Building owners often delay modernisation because they see it as a cost, not an investment. From  your data and experience, what risks do they underestimate the most, safety, energy efficiency, or  downtime?


Sebi Joseph: Otis helps building owners plan modernisation at a pace and budget that feels comfortable for  them, and to understand the benefits of the options available. Safety is at the core of our company and older buildings can benefit enormously from newer technologies that enhance protection,  responsiveness and overall performance, including energy efficiency.

Q In dense urban centres like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, how has the pressure of vertical growth  changed expectations from old elevator systems?

Sebi Joseph: Two decades ago, our metro cities were beginning their real estate growth, with low- and mid rise  buildings and basic elevator systems. Today, high-rises dominate, and expectations have evolved.  There are over 360 high-rises over 40-storeys in Mumbai alone, and that number is rising quickly. A  similar momentum is visible in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru. People expect elevators to be safe, swift, aesthetically pleasing, accessible, and technologically  advanced. The Otis Modular Series offers over 360 design combinations, giving customers the  flexibility to tailor the performance, look and feel of their elevators to enhance the passenger  experience.