Getting on Track: Accessibility Policy and the Design of the Mumbai Metro

In 1995, India passed the Persons with Disabilities Act to legislate principles and requirements of UN Convention on Rights Disabilities. As part this, Government boldly committed achieving universal design in its public transit systems. Despite legal provisions for ensuring accessibility transport strong harmonized guidelines, Mumbai’s suburban rail network lacks adequate considerations people disabilities. From limited elevators ramps uneven surfaces unmarked pathways, system is notoriously dangerous disabilities, a recent audit suggests that fewer than 40% railway stations are compliant standards. However, inaccessibility not decades-old systems: even recently constructed Mumbai Monorail Metro Line One enact only some, all required With currently under construction, has opportunity prioritize design, which cost-effective, inclusive method, avoid previous mistakes, exclusionary inefficient. This paper reviews current state across existing networks context established best practices around world suggest ways strengthen constructing new Metro. It argues order achieve government’s publicly stated commitment this next generation rail, Metropolitan Regional Development Authority should host consultations use architects training, implement guidelines barrier-free built spaces outlined by Central Ministry Urban Development. These steps must also be complemented applying same concerted effort tackle issue streets lines greater opportunities disabilities.
 
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