‘2 Lifts for 400 Flats’: Noida Resident Questions the ‘Luxury’ Tag of High-Rise Apartments, Calls Them ‘Chawls’
‘2 Lifts for 400 Flats’: Noida Resident Questions the ‘Luxury’ Tag of High-Rise Apartments, Calls Them ‘Chawls’ (Representative Image )
Social media discussions have picked up momentum after a Noida resident highlighted the everyday struggles inside a modern high-rise apartment complex, challenging the widely marketed idea of luxury living.
The issue came to light through a viral Instagram video, where the resident showcased conditions inside his housing tower. The building accommodates around 175 flats, yet relies on just two lifts. Adding to the inconvenience, only one elevator operates at a time, as both function in alternating shifts. This setup has resulted in long queues and frustrating delays for residents moving up and down the building.
Raising concerns about infrastructure, the resident questioned how such arrangements can be labeled as “luxury.” He pointed out that the heavy load on basic amenities like lifts defeats the very purpose of convenience that high-rise projects promise. Drawing a sharp comparison, he likened the situation to chawl-style living, suggesting that overcrowding remains an issue despite modern construction.
Looking at the situation from a broader perspective, he noted how housing challenges have evolved over time. Earlier generations often dealt with limited access to essential resources, while today’s urban residents face congestion of a different kind. According to him, traditional queues for necessities have now been replaced by long waits for elevators.
The video quickly struck a chord with viewers, particularly those living in similar residential complexes across Delhi-NCR. Many users shared their own experiences, describing overcrowded towers, limited lift availability, and delays during peak hours. Several people also pointed out that rapid construction and cost-cutting measures often lead to compromises in essential infrastructure.
Others highlighted the gap between the polished image presented in property advertisements and the actual day-to-day experience of residents. The conversation soon expanded into a wider debate about whether high-rise living in urban India truly offers the comfort it promises, or simply results in vertical congestion.
Amid these reactions, some users compared such apartments with independent houses. One comment noted that owning a standalone home, even at a similar price, provides full control over space and avoids shared inconveniences.
Growing cities may be reaching for the sky, but experiences like these suggest that the definition of comfort still depends heavily on how well everyday needs are addressed on the ground.
