Mumbai: "Accessibility walk" to raise awareness about pedestrian infrastructures

The lack of ramps makes it hard for some to access footpaths. Pic/Kirti Surve Parade

The Walking Project, in partnership with Access to Hope, a disabled accessibility non-profit, conducted an "accessibility walk" on May 23 to raise awareness about pedestrian infrastructure, Indian design standards for pedestrian infrastructure, and civic problems related to the design.

"The importance of accessible footpaths is not just for us who are physically disabled, pregnant women, those who have kids in strollers, senior citizens. Honestly, everyone can benefit from it," said Mitesh Shah, a disabled national-level wheelchair lawn tennis player. The Indian Roads Congress's (IRC) code 103 and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Universal Footpath Policy both state that footpaths across the country and city must be 15 cm in height. However, these norms are not often followed.

The footpath outside the Khar railway station's west exit has a height of 22 cm, which makes it difficult not just for physically disabled people to get onto, but also for those who have knee issues. Shah said, "In cases where the footpaths are too high, I have to take the help of poles or any stable structures around me, and if nothing is available, I have to ask people around me for help. And whenever I have tried to get onto or off a footpath that is too high on my own, there is always a chance of me falling and injuring myself."

BEST AC buses are equipped with hydraulic ramps to make transport accessible for all, but the ramps are not used. "Most of the time, we try to use buses, either the ramps don't work and open up completely, or the drivers refuse to let us use them," said Jasmina Khanna, who heads Access to Hope.

Throughout the city, the only accessible mode of public transport seems to be the Metro lines. "The end-to-end transport in metros is so smooth, it is a haven for us," said Shah. The stretch from Khar station to Madhu Park is one such road that is full of hurdles. Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar has been in contact with the Access to Hope and is trying to make footpaths accessible for everyone.