4 days ago
Delhi Notifies Expanded Fire Safety Rules for Buildings
Delhi has made new rules to help protect people inside buildings from fires.
The rules were announced after several recent fires in the city.
One fire at a Malviya Nagar hotel killed 23 people, mostly foreign nationals.
Safety requirements will depend on how tall a building is and what it is used for.
Buildings may need alarms, sprinklers, fire extinguishers and protected exits.
They will also need space for fire engines to reach the building.
Some buildings must have emergency electricity, fire lifts and rooms for controlling emergencies.
The new rules will start after updated building laws are officially notified.
Applications already submitted will continue under the rules that existed when they were filed.
The Delhi government notified amended fire safety rules on August 28, 2026, following recent city fire tragedies.
The rules link minimum safety standards to a building’s height and occupancy class under the Building Bye-Laws.
They prescribe 18 categories of measures, including fire barriers, emergency power, hydrants, alarms, sprinklers and protected exits.
Buildings must provide encroachment-free access, including a minimum six-metre route for fire engines.
The rules will take effect when the Delhi Development Authority notifies amended Unified Building Bye-Laws-2016 provisions.
- Who
- The Delhi government, the Delhi Fire Service, building owners and occupiers, and third-party auditors are covered by the amended rules.
- What
- Delhi amended its Fire Service Rules to introduce 18 categories of minimum fire prevention and safety measures for buildings.
- Where
- Delhi, including buildings covered by the city’s Building Bye-Laws.
- When
- The amended rules were notified on August 28, 2026, and reported on August 29; they will take effect after amended Unified Building Bye-Laws-2016 are notified.
- Why
- The changes follow recent fire tragedies in Delhi, including a Malviya Nagar hotel fire that killed 23 people.
Key facts
- Notification date
- August 28, 2026
- Rules
- Delhi Fire Service (Amendment) Rules, 2026
- Safety framework
- 18 categories of fire prevention and safety measures
- Fire-engine access
- A minimum six-metre right of way to the premises
- Major requirements
- Fire and smoke barriers, alarms, sprinklers, hydrants, emergency power and protected exits
- Effective date
- The date amended Unified Building Bye-Laws-2016 are notified by the Delhi Development Authority
- Pending applications
- Applications filed before commencement will be processed under the rules in force on their submission date
Sources
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