The Accessibility Crisis In Our Buildings
Today It’s Them, Tomorrow It’s Us
A Wake-Up Call for an Inclusive Tomorrow
We often forget one truth of life :
Time does not stand still. Every one of us is aging, and one day, the body that now walks briskly may slow down, stumble, or depend on a stick, a wheelchair, or another’s helping hand. Yet, when we look at the way our cities are built, the question stings—are our buildings truly sensitive to the elderly and mobility-impaired, or are they silent barriers that strip dignity from those who need it most?
Why Do We Overlook Accessibility?
Most architects, builders, and developers chase grandeur, efficiency, or profit. Wide glass facades, rooftop pools, and parking for hundreds of cars get priority. But ramps, tactile pathways, lifts with voice guidance, or simple handrails? They are often dismissed as “not essential.” Accessibility becomes an afterthought, if it’s considered at all. The human need for dignity and safety is overshadowed by concrete, steel, and “space optimization.”
Ignorance—or a Deliberate Omission?
Is this neglect mere ignorance, or is it deliberate? In many projects, corridors are narrowed, staircases are steep, or ramps are avoidedall in the name of “saving space” and reducing cost. But what is saved here is not space—it is empathy. And what is lost is priceless: the ability of an elderly parent or a mobility-impaired child to live independently.
Why Do Occupants Stay Silent?
Even residents, who one day will face these very struggles, rarely raise their voices. We worry about the gym, the clubhouse, or parking slots, but hardly anyone questions—Where is the ramp? Where is the evacuation plan for wheelchair users? How will my parents or I, in old age, move safely in this building? This silence is a betrayal of our own future selves.
What the World Teaches Us
In many countries, accessibility is not a “favor”—it is a fundamental right.
- In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates strict accessibility standards.
- In Europe, laws ensure barrier-free design, with heavy penalties for violations.
- In Japan, universal design is part of the cultural fabric; train stations, toilets, and even shopping streets are senior-friendly.
These societies recognize that inclusion is dignity. Why should India lag behind?
Can Our National Building Code Step Up?
India’s National Building Code (NBC 2016, Part 3) does mention accessibility features, but in reality, enforcement is weak. Ramp gradients, lift designs, signage for visually impaired, and evacuation measures for mobility-impaired persons are rarely monitored during approvals. Unless governments make these codes mandatory and link them to occupancy certificates, they will remain words on paper.
Laws That Exist—but Are They Enough?
India does have legislations :
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates equal access to the built environment.
- Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 obligates protection and dignity of the elderly.
But laws without enforcement are lifeless. A ramp too steep, a lift too small, or a staircase without railings is as dangerous as a locked door.
Evacuation and Power Chairs—A Simple Yet Life-Saving Solution
One of the biggest challenges for mobility-impaired persons is navigating staircases, especially during emergencies when lifts cannot be used. Across the world, evacuation chairs and power stair-assist chairs are common, enabling even a single attendant to safely move a person up or down multiple floors during a fire or medical crisis. In India, however, awareness and adoption remain limited, with very few buildings equipped with such devices. These are not luxuries but necessities—just as fire extinguishers are mandatory, evacuation chairs too must become standard for elderly and mobility-impaired occupants. Affordable, practical, and life-saving, their installation is not only a legal and safety requirement but also a moral responsibility that can mean the difference between life and death.
Accessibility framework in india : comparison of IS 4963:2025, NBC 2016, and RPWD Act 2016
| Aspect | IS 4963:2025 | NBC 2016 | RPwD Act 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature | Technical Standard issued by BIS | Comprehensive Building Code | Mandates barrier-free access as a fundamental right |
| Focus | Detailed design requirements for accessibility (ramps, lifts, toilets, signage, etc.) | Integrates accessibility provisions within building regulations | |
| Coverage | All public-use buildings (govt+private), elderly, disabled, visually/hearing impaired | Public buildings, group housing, schools, hospitals, etc. | All public buildings, transport, info & communication |
| Strengths | Prescriptive, clear 'how to' design requirements | Broader coverage : safety, fire, health & accessibility | Enforceable by law with penalties for non-compliance |
| Limitations | Voluntary unless enforced via law/byelaws | Not enforceable unless adopted by state/local authorities | Implementation and enforcement are patchy |
| Role | Technical manual : How to do it | Regulatory guide : where & when to do it | Legal mandate: You must do it |
Accessibility in the built environment is not just a technical requirement; it is a fundamental right. India has developed a three-tier framework to address accessibility, combining technical standards, building codes, and legislation. IS 4963:2025 provides detailed design guidelines for accessibility features such as ramps, lifts, signage, and toilets. The National Building Code (NBC 2016) integrates these requirements within broader building regulations. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 makes accessibility a legal mandate, requiring public buildings and facilities to be barrier-free.
Together, these three layers ensure that accessibility is defined (IS 4963), integrated into planning (NBC), and legally enforced (RPwD Act). However, weak enforcement and lack of awareness continue to hinder true implementation. To create inclusive cities, accessibility must be treated as non-negotiable because buildings should welcome everyone, regardless of age or ability
A Call from the Heart
Every step we climb easily today may one day become a mountain. Every door we push open effortlessly may one day become an unbreakable wall. Accessibility is not charity, it is foresight, compassion, and justice.It is time we demand that our buildings, homes, offices, hospitals, and public spaces are built for everyone—not just for the young, the able, or the privileged. Because one day, when our own legs tremble and our hands search for support, we will realize: accessibility is not about “them”—it is about all of us.
About the Author
Dominic KP has dedicated over three decades to the construction, Fire safety, and utility services industry. As the Founder of premier associations such as the Fire & Security Association of India (FSAI), the Forum of Critical Utility Services (FOCUS), and the National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety (NFE), he has been a strong advocate for safer and more resilient buildings in India.
He continues to push for the mandatory integration of accessibility features in building design, ensuring that the elderly and mobility impaired are treated with dignity and equal opportunity. His belief is simple yet powerful: a truly safe building is one that welcomes and protects everyone, regardless of age or ability.