Karnataka High Court Pushes for Accessible Transport
The Karnataka High Court has issued a landmark directive to the state government, requiring the installation of audio announcement systems in buses and at major bus stands across Karnataka within two years. This judgement stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a Bengaluru resident, who raised concerns about the daily struggles faced by visually impaired commuters. The decision highlights the urgent need to make public infrastructure inclusive and accessible for all.
The court’s intervention came after the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) discontinued audio announcement facilities in buses despite initially introducing them. The High Court held this withdrawal as a violation of disability rights protected under legal mandates. Officials explained that logistical challenges and budget constraints had led to the discontinuation, but the court dismissed these justifications. It stressed that such services are essential for ensuring independent and safe travel for people with visual impairments. While the judgement offers a reprieve to many, it underscores broader issues in Bengaluru’s public infrastructure. Civic organisations and disability rights advocates have long criticised the city’s lack of accessible urban planning. Tactile paving for the visually impaired, ramps for wheelchair users, and auditory signals at crossings remain rare. For a city known as India’s technology hub, this lack of inclusivity reflects poorly on its urban development priorities.
Vikram Shetty, a civic planner, noted, “Inclusivity in public spaces is not a luxury but a necessity. Cities like Bengaluru must lead by example.” He also highlighted how such infrastructure gaps disproportionately impact people with disabilities, limiting their mobility and independence. State officials have acknowledged the challenges in creating an inclusive public transport system. A senior BMTC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Implementing these systems requires considerable resources and coordination. While we are committed, public cooperation and civic awareness are equally important.”
However, civic bodies face hurdles such as inconsistent funding, insufficient technical expertise, and limited collaboration with disability advocacy groups. Disability rights organisations have called for the government to actively engage with persons with disabilities during the planning and implementation stages. The High Court’s two-year deadline provides an achievable timeframe, but experts stress that meeting it will require meticulous planning. The directive is not just about installing audio systems but fostering a shift towards systemic inclusivity. Future infrastructure projects must prioritise universal accessibility from the outset.
Disability rights activist Priya Menon stated, “This judgement is a step in the right direction, but we need consistent efforts. Accessibility should be embedded in urban planning, not treated as an afterthought.” For Karnataka to emerge as a truly inclusive state, the government must go beyond symbolic gestures. Investing in sustainable, long-term solutions, retrofitting existing infrastructure, and empowering communities with disabilities are essential. By addressing these challenges head-on, Karnataka has the opportunity to set a precedent for other states, ensuring that inclusivity and equality are at the heart of urban development. The journey to a more accessible future begins now.
