Is Mumbai’s public transport system accessible for disabled persons?

Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population and perpetually moving lifestyle. The city can keep up with its fast pace because of the public transport system that serves millions every day. However, despite the transport network being extensive, its accessibility remains a subject of debate and contention.

Accessibility of the city's public transport system poses significant challenges for many commuters. The intricate web of trains, buses, taxis, and rickshaws often lack provisions for individuals with disabilities, the elderly or even those with temporary mobility issues.

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The city's historic infrastructure is the backbone of its transportation system, but it also poses accessibility challenges. Overcrowded local trains, limited stations, and steep staircases bring hurdles for people with disabilities. The lack of dedicated locations and help exacerbates these difficulties.

Hydraulic ramps defunct in buses, no end-to-end connectivity

City-based non-profit organisation Access to Hope was started by Jasmina Khanna, an engineer with cerebral palsy and a clinical physiotherapist Sanket Khadilkar to make the city accessible for persons with disabilities.

While speaking to mid-day, Khanna said that the transport system in the city is "not at all accessible".

"Public transport is not accessible for me, so I end up spending more by availing accessible taxi service. I have to use private cab service thereby leading to 90 per cent more spending on travel than I would if public transport was accessible," she said when quizzed about the difficulties she faced.

She further said that a handful of buses of Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport undertaking have hydraulic ramps but are mostly defunct or not in utilisation.

"Nearly 200 buses of BEST have hydraulic ramps but most of them are not in function. The BEST did not publicise it enough for people, additionally, there is no mention of which buses the ramps are available for and what are the timings. The staff is not trained," she said.

Khanna added that the NPO has filed a Public Interest Litigation in the court against the BEST over the defunct hydraulic ramps.

Khanna told mid-day that among the available public transport systems, metro rail is relatively more accessible. However, she points out that the end-to-end connectivity - as mandated by the Union government - in the guidelines to make public transport accessible is not realised.

The railway has made compartments for disabled persons available on local trains but creating accessible stations is crucial, she elaborated.

What are the guidelines?

The Union government of India has taken several steps to make public transport accessible for disabled persons and has issued comprehensive guidelines. The guidelines are based on "Harmonised Guidelines and Space Standards for Barrier Free Built Environment for Persons with Disabilities and Elderly persons" and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 which will create a seamless and dignified travel experience for everyone.

The government, for Railways, stated that accessibility features must be added at the stations. These features include ramps, lifts, tactile paths, accessible restrooms, braille signage and reserved parking spaces.

The guidelines also stated that trains must have wider doors, wheelchair-accessible toilets, designated seating areas and audio announcements. Porter services, wheelchair assistance, and dedicated help desks should be made available for disabled persons

Similar guidelines exist for metro rail.

Meanwhile, the guidelines issued for buses in the "Accessible Tourism Guidelines for India 2022" and the IRC:124-2017 guidelines specify that the buses should have low floors to facilitate easy entry and exit of wheelchair users and mobility aids.

Additionally, the bus is supposed to be equipped with ramps, and have designated seating for persons with disability. The guidelines also stated that announcements should be made both visually and audibly.

Authorities speak

Central Railway Chief PRO, Dr Shivraj Manaspure, told mid-day that they have been working towards making railway stations accessible and that they have been building ramps, and adding elevators and escalators.

"We have already made available ramps, elevators and escalators in most major and moderately crucial stations and are working to add more features (to make railway disabled person friendly)," he said and added that there is staff that is supposed to look after the facilities' upkeep.

The CPRO says that CR has built 13 escalators and 18 lifts from March 2023 till date and added that by March 2024, they are expecting to finish the set target of installing 26 escalators and 30 elevators.

Meanwhile, the Western Railway said, "We also take a special interest in taking care of the needs of Divyangjan, Senior Citizens, and Cancer patients on board the train, where coaches as well as seats are reserved for them. Divyangjan Friendly Ticket/Enquiry counters have been provided at stations besides this Signages are provided at platforms in front of the coaches reserved for Divyangjan passengers. The facility of wheelchairs is also available at the Station Master's office free of cost."

Answering a query about the upkeep of the system, the WR said, "Thorough inspections by a nominated group of supervisors are carried out fortnightly under "Service Improvement Group". Maintenance is carried out regularly as information for deficiency if any is reported by the station master daily."

The officials of CR and WR said that the new projects for station redevelopment or Amrit Station development cover every mandatory aspect of the "Divyang policy".

How can public transport improved?

Activists, advocacy groups, and people advocate for immediate and comprehensive accessibility improvements. Better infrastructure, universally built vehicles, and trained people to assist disabled passengers are critical.

Jasmina Khanna, when asked about how the government works on improving public transport, said that the authorities should interact with the commuters and understand their suggestion.

Elaborating on the same, CR CPRO said that they get in touch with commuters through social media, various committees and local leaders or MLAs. He added that suggestions taken from the individuals are mulled upon in meetings of the concerned officials wherein a plan is also devised to resolve the issues presented.

Meanwhile, the WR official added, "Commuters can provide their feedback on helpline no. 139 or Rail Madad App. Further, passengers can register their voice in "Complaint cum Suggestion Books" provided in each Station Master & other commercial office. The analysis is made to find the root cause & every effort is made to resolve the issue."

Addressing the difficulties requires a multifaceted approach which includes infrastructure improvements, regulatory changes, and better awareness of the needs of differently-abled people. Only by working together can Mumbai genuinely boast an inclusive public transport system that serves all of its inhabitants fairly.

Note: We attempted to contact the BEST official, but no response was received at the time of filing the report. The story will be updated upon receiving their responses.