A wake-up call on Bengaluru’s accessibility crisis

NT Bengaluru

As the world observes the World Day of the Handicapped on December 3, it’s a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities, particularly in Bengaluru. The city is far from being friendly or inclusive for those with physical or mental disabilities. India reported 26.8 million persons with disabilities, comprising 2.21 per cent of the total population. Data is available for Karnataka state, which includes Bengaluru. It reported 9.4 lakh (0.94 mn) disabled persons, constituting 1.8 per cent of the state's population. According to a report by Censusindia, due to Bengaluru's urban population and potential underreporting in previous censuses, the actual number of disabled individuals in the city might be higher. In Bengaluru, most public spaces are designed with little regard for the needs of individuals with mobility issues.

Sidewalks are often filled with potholes, uneven surfaces, and obstructions, making it difficult for those using wheelchairs or with limited mobility to navigate safely. Public buildings frequently lack ramps, accessible entrances or elevators, further complicating daily life. Public transportation is another major hurdle.

Buses and metro stations often lack the necessary features to assist people with disabilities, and many face difficulties boarding vehicles, particularly during peak hours. A wheelchair user shared, “When a city is designed without considering the needs of its citizens, especially those with disabilities, it reflects a failure on the part of the government to ensure accessibility for all.” She added, “For a person like me, using a public toilet, taking the bus or even travelling just 100 metres independently feels like a distant dream. Expecting to visit parks or other public spaces seems more like greed than a basic right.” She also pointed out the financial burden, saying, “Transportation costs are significantly higher for us. If I need to book a private transport with wheelchair access, I often end up paying two or three times the regular fare.” Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) is one exception, offering some level of accessibility with ramps, lifts, and tactile flooring in stations, which makes it easier for wheelchair users and physically disabled people to navigate. However, a person with a disability who uses a quad cane shared, “Even with these improvements, accessing the metro remains a challenge.

Bus stops near the stations are often inaccessible, and there are no integrated feeder services to help people like us reach the metro stations in the first place. Even when I manage to book a cab with a ramp, the cost is exorbitant.” The situation has worsened as the Karnataka government has made drastic cuts to the budget meant for assisting the differentlyabled. National Federation for the Blind has expressed deep concern over an 80 per cent reduction in funding for schemes supporting people with disabilities.

A CRUEL CUT IN FUNDS

The Karnataka government, under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, slashed the allocation for these critical programs from Rs 54 crore in FY 2023-24 to just Rs 10 crore in FY 2024-25. This drastic reduction has left thousands of differently-abled individuals without access to essential aids such as mobility devices, assistive technologies, and support services.