The Delhi government on Saturday announced a redesign of all government buildings and sports stadiums to better serve persons with disabilities (PwDs) visiting these places. The initiative is part of the ongoing Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan, a city-wide accessibility campaign aimed at transforming the national capital into India’s first fully accessible ‘Purple City’.
The proposed upgrades include the installation of ramps, lifts, Braille signage, wheelchair-friendly pathways and audio-visual aids across all public infrastructure. The BJP state government said the goal of the initiative is to create a barrier-free environment that allows people with disabilities to navigate, participate and thrive in public life.
“The government is committed to transforming Delhi into a model of accessibility and inclusion,” said CM Gupta. “This is not just a matter of social responsibility but a vital step toward building an equal and empowered capital,” she added.
The government said that it is taking a three-pronged approach for the initiative: “Sarkar, Samaj, Bazaar”. Government agencies will lead the infrastructure upgrades, community stakeholders will be engaged to promote inclusivity and corporate partnerships will help develop cost-effective accessibility solutions, it said. The Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA) will support the effort, contributing expertise in employment and entrepreneurship for PwDs.
Plans are also underway to host a ‘Purple Fest’ to raise awareness about the rights, talents and capabilities of PwDs. Special schemes will be launched to encourage greater participation of persons with disabilities in sports, education and public services, an official statement said.
“This initiative will raise awareness, inspire action and promote a more sensitive and inclusive society,” the CM added.
The inclusion will be promoted at the grassroots level by engaging all 21 categories of disabilities, senior citizens and the local community; and cost-effective, sustainable solutions will be developed in collaboration with vendors, innovators and CSR partners, said Gupta.