The Indian government has implemented a number of initiatives to improve accessibility of public transit and infrastructure for Divyangjans, or people with disabilities. Considerable strides have been achieved to guarantee inclusion in public buildings, bus transportation networks, train terminals and airports.
These Are The Components That Make India Disability Friendly
Marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Indian Railways is committed to delivering an inclusive and accessible travel experience for all passengers, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to travel with dignity and ease.#9YearsOfSugamyaBharat pic.twitter.com/bcNxqnZD2y
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) December 3, 2024
Airports: All 35 international airports and 55 domestic airports offer accessibility features like elevators, restrooms, and ramps.
Railways: Short-term amenities like ramps, accessible restrooms, lifts, assistance desks, reserved parking, non-slip pathways, and drinking water facilities have been installed at 709 A1, A, and B category train stations.
Bus Transportation: 8,695 buses are totally accessible, while more than 42,000 buses have been made partially accessible. Furthermore, 3,120 of the 3,533 bus stops in the country are now accessible.
Public Buildings: As part of the Accessible India Campaign, State and UT government-owned public buildings underwent access audits, which resulted in funding for the accessibility of 1,314 buildings. Additionally, 889 buildings from different government ministries and departments as well as 211 buildings under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) have been retrofitted by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
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Regulations to Improve Accessibility
Appreciable good samaritan gesture! Kudos!
Mr. Saravanan, SI/RPF/Vriddhachalam lends a helping hand to a special passenger to board and gets him seated comfortably on board T. No. 16855 Puducherry – Mangaluru Central Express at Vriddhachalam station today! @RailMinIndia pic.twitter.com/ObbWLMGRDA
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) September 8, 2022
A number of ministries have taken important regulatory actions to incorporate accessibility features:
Road Transport & Highways: The Ministry has issued the AIS-052 Code for Accessible Bus Body Design. It guarantees features like stanchions, handrails, priority seating, and room for mobility assistance.
Railways: Indian Railways has released station accessibility guidelines to assist travellers with disabilities. They address low-height ticket counters, accessible restrooms, drinking water booths, entrance ramps, accessible parking, and Braille signage.
Metro/RRTS Systems: To provide easy access for those with disabilities, the elderly, and those experiencing short-term mobility issues, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has included universal design principles into metro and rapid transit systems.
PM-eBus Sewa: In accordance with AIS 052 & AIS 153 regulations, the government has mandated that all 12m and 9m electric buses operating under the program include wheelchair access.
The National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development noted several significant accomplishments of the Accessible India Campaign. Funding was allocated for the retrofit of accessibility elements in 80.51% of government buildings. The programme successfully blanketed major government buildings around the nation. There has been a notable improvement in the attitudes of the general public and government representatives.
Cover Image Credits: SvayamIndia/X & Wikipedia
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