Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Accessibility
  • Lack of disabled-friendly public transport systems in India cause for concern

Lack of disabled-friendly public transport systems in India cause for concern

public transport inaccessible
Accessibility December 27, 2019
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
0

In India, public transport is still inaccessible for people with disabilities. In spite of laws being introduced, nothing substantial has been done till date. Disability rights activists from across India point out the injustice.

The public transport system in India still largely remains inaccessible for people with disabilities. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the Accessible India campaign launched by the Modi government highlights on accessible public places and transport systems. But till date, nothing has been implemented. There are no wheelchair facilities in trains or buses. A visually impaired person is still unable to board an auto or bus due to lack of accessible services like Braille signage for them. Travelling to places still remains a struggle for people with disabilities in the country.

Why we need accessible public transport in India

There are over 80 billion disabled people in India. That constitutes over 6% of the total population. That is precisely the reason why public places must be made accessible. Lack of awareness about disabilities makes things worse in society. Moreover, staffs that work in public transport systems are not aware of how to handle people with disabilities. This lack of sensitization is yet another road block to progress.

Unni Maxx is a wheelchair user and disability rights activist. He says that the government has been inefficient in implanting rights of disabled people across the country.

In most countries abroad, public transport systems are mandatorily made disabled friendly unlike in India. Here, we have to start from scratch to make a bus or train accessible and even public places. Except for metro services in most cities, no other public transport systems are even today accessible. Staffs have been sensitized many times. But that has not given any benefits. We need a big revolution in order to make our public transport systems more accessible. We are now forced to protest for our rights. – Unni Maxx, Disability rights activist

The many hindrances to accessible transport

Disabled people need affordable, safe and reliable transport systems. According to members from the disabled community, that is what the government must aim to do. Accessibility can be a key parameter in ensuring economic success of the nation. Making transport systems accessible will definitely be of much help.

Most of the times, officials believe that construction of ramps for buses and trains or Braille signage’s can be expensive. Also, since the number of disabled people use this are lesser it might lead to low returns too. But studies have proved that accessibility features account for less than one percent of the total cost for a project. This includes from its planning stage. Introduction of these facilities will make transport faster, easier and hassle free for disabled people. This is yet another way to creating an inclusive society as well.

Officials must introduce buses for wheelchair users at least once every week. Unfortunately, whatever facilities were there have also been taken away. Now, we are forced to rely on others to travel. Otherwise, we have to spend thousands of rupees on cabs which is not economical for many people”, says Sindhu Sudevan, a wheelchair user from Trivandrum

 

Watch in Sign Language

0

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Healing pain through art - Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder Chronic Pain India

Read more on Newz Hook

  • Technology
    Check out these free apps that help develop fine motor skills in children with cerebral palsy
  • Get-hooked
    Blind MasterChef winner Christine Ha is the face of month-long campaign this International Women’s Day
  • Get-hooked
    Matthew Walzer’s letter continues to make an impact nearly 10 years later
  • Get-hooked
    “Find ways to help yourself” – Blind MasterChef winner Christine Ha’s powerful message for women with disabilities

Contribue to Newz Hook. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature your inspiring story or share an event with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Related News

Christine Ha has covered her eyes and the words how you see me are on the back of her hand

Get-hooked

Blind MasterChef winner Christine Ha is the face of month-long campaign this International Women’s Day

Images of the 5 apps featured in article

Technology

Check out these free apps that help develop fine motor skills in children with cerebral palsy

Matthew Walzer is wearing a blue shirt

Get-hooked

Matthew Walzer’s letter continues to make an impact nearly 10 years later

Close up of blind cook Christine Ha

Get-hooked

“Find ways to help yourself” – Blind MasterChef winner Christine Ha’s powerful message for women with disabilities

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Get-hooked

Film with a cast of over 80 people with disabilities to release worldwide in November

Parasports

“Government apathy towards para sports demotivates us” - MyTake by Ebin Joseph

Get-hooked

#ChampionsWithCP – Rohit Jain believes he is different, not disabled

Get-hooked

Understanding Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook is a media site focusing on Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight stories that share insights into the lives of people with disabilities, offer solutions and create collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who share knowledge about disability, inclusion & accessibility.

Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.