Persons with disabilities have demanded the Chennai Corporation expedite work on a 200 km pathway across the city for promoting accessibility to bus stops, roads, toilets and other public spaces.
At a meeting on Monday, members of the Disability Rights Alliance met with Chennai Corporation officials to explore the feasibility of expediting the work on construction of a 200 km pathway across the city to improve access for persons with disability.
Chennai Corporation officials said the civic body will redesign the facilities, remove barriers and develop infrastructure to improve accessibility of roads, footpaths, bus stops and other public spaces for persons with disability.
Gnana Barathi, founder, Spinal Injured Persons Association, said the ramp in bus stops should be redesigned to 1:20. “We asked why the platform near Anna University was reduced in width. If they want to widen the road, they should not reduce the width of the platform. We want the 200 km pathway to improve access. Bus stops should be accessible. None of the bus stops in the city are accessible. Most of the footpaths are 30 cm in height. It should not be more than 15 cm,” he said.
Disability rights activist T.M.N. Deepak said: “Parks have to be first made accessible to all kinds of disabled people. It has to be accessible for all children with disabilities. Children with visual disabilities must have equal opportunity to use the amenities. Children with intellectual disabilities must have access and it should facilitate sensory integration as well. These children are bound to have falls and therefore edges must be properly redesigned,” he said.
“Most of the gyms are on the first floor and therefore Chennai Corporation must ensure there is at least one gym which is accessible to men and women with disabilities. A trainer to help persons with disabilities is required. Bus shelters are proving to be absolutely disabled unfriendly,” he said.
Published – October 14, 2025 05:45 am IST
