Why are Indian cities still inaccessible to people with disabilities?

In Focus by The Hindu · Oct 20, 2026 · 50m

Indian cities have undergone rapid urbanisation over the past few decades. Yet, accessibility continues to evade the design and planning priorities. Despite the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, mandating accessibility in public buildings across the country, Indian cities need to go a long way when it comes to inclusive public spaces, transport and other infrastructure. Several pertinent questions remain – how many barriers must a person with physical or intellectual disability navigate to get from point A to point B? Have the efforts towards inclusivity been centred around a…