Bhubaneswar: The public works department will shortly replace the two elevators at the heads of department's building or Nautala in Unit V after repeated failure of the facilities in recent times.

On July 2, one of the elevators got stuck on the sixth floor while descending with eight persons. The elevators are self-operated. When those inside the lift pressed the emergency bell, it did not work. This created a panic situation, but those stuck inside were lucky as the elevator started working on its own after five minutes.

"It is not the first time that the lift got stuck. I have faced similar incidents several times in the past. We have made repeated petition to the authorities to replace the lift," said an employee working with the health directorate.

In 2016, a similar incident was reported when one of the elevators got stuck on the fourth floor with six persons inside. The elevator didn't work for nearly half an hour. Fire services personnel had to be called to rescue those trapped in the lift.

The heads of the department building is one of the important establishments here, housing nearly eight of the important directorates including agriculture, health, education and cooperative. More than 500 employees work in the various directorates in this important building.