Venue: Novotel, Nandanam
Date: 20 August, 2026
Key Note Speaker: Mr. S.Saravanan, I.A.S. - Joint Commissioner, Works, Greater Chennai Corporation
Panelist: Mr. Gopinath Mallya - Chief Advisor (O&M), Chennai Metro Rail Limited
Mr. S.A. Selvakumar - General Manager (Operations), Metropolitan Transport Corporation
Mr. Sathish Kumar- Member, Disability Rights Alliance
Ms. Akila Shanmugaraj - Architect & Public Planner, Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority
Accessible mobility remains a significant challenge in Chennai, one of India's metropolitan cities, even in 2026. From broken footpaths, lack of ramps, lack of tactile tiles, poor first-last mile connectivity, to inaccessible public transport, all these factors make it difficult to move around the city for anyone. Although accessibility is recognised as a legal right under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2012, gaps in infrastructure, design, and implementation often prevent this right from being realised in everyday life.
To understand more about these challenges, Citizen consumer and civic Action Group (CAG) had conducted a study documenting mobility barriers experienced by persons with disabilities and senior citizens while accessing public transport and navigating public spaces across Chennai.
The study findings were arrived at after talking with over 270 people, including persons with disabilities and senior citizens. The research findings were presented by Ms Divya Arvind, a researcher at CAG.The findings reveal a striking gap between proximity and accessibility. While 66% of respondents live within one kilometre of a public transport stop or station, two-thirds are unable to reach these services safely because of poor pedestrian infrastructure. Nearly 60% encountered blocked or uneven pathways that forced them onto the road, while 41% reported feeling unsafe using pedestrian infrastructure.
Ms Divya Arvind from CAG presenting the study findings.
The report was released in Chennai on 20 August 2026 by Mr A. Saravanan, I.A.S., Joint Commissioner (Works), Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), along with members of a panel representing key transport agencies and disability rights organisations. He also delivered the special address at the event.
Report released by Mr A. Saravanan, I.A.S., Joint Commissioner (Works), Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), along with members of a panel representing key transport agencies and disability rights organisations.
Keynote address delivered by Mr A. Saravanan, I.A.S., Joint Commissioner (Works), Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC)
A diverse group of stakeholders participated in the event, which included representatives from the following organizations:
- Disability Rights Alliance (DRA)
- National Association for the Blind
- Society for Rights of All Women with Disabilities
- GCC
- Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC)
- Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA)
- Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL)
- Poovlagin Nanbargal
- ASAR
- ITDP
- Specials Child Assistance Network
- Vidya Sagar
This gathering highlighted a collective effort towards inclusivity and collaboration.
After the report launch, a panel discussion was conducted with CUMTA, MTC, CMRL and DRA. The panel discussion was moderated by Nina Subramani, Senior Researcher at CAG. During the panel discussion. Ms Akila Shanmugaraj, Architect-Urban Planner, CUMTA, highlighted the Comprehensive Mobility Plan, accessibility-related key performance indicators and street-design metrics developed for the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
Ms Akila Shanmugaraj talking about the long term goals of CUMTA to make Chennai accessible
When asked about the long term goals of the Metro, Mr Gopinath Mallya, Chief Advisor (O&M), CMRL, said the Metro’s long-term objective was to fully comply with Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility, supported by third-party assessments.
Mr Sathish Kumar of DRA emphasized that accessibility needs to be addressed much earlier in the design process. Calling for accessibility consultants to be involved in projects, he stressed that accessibility requirements should be incorporated into tenders themselves rather than addressed after infrastructure has been built.
Mr. Sathish Kumar from DRA addressing his concerns with public transport infrastructure during the panel discussion
Mr.S.A. Selvakumar, General Manager (Operations), Metropolitan Transport Corporation talking about the efforts taken by MTC to make it accessible for everyone
Mr.Gopinath Mallya, Chief Advisor (O&M) from Chennai Metro Rail Limited addressing concerns raised by the participants.
Representatives from different organizations joined us during the event launch
As Chennai continues to grow and improve its transportation system, the report emphasizes that accessibility should not be an afterthought in infrastructure development. It needs to be integrated into every phase: planning, design, procurement, implementation, and maintenance. An inclusive transport system is not merely a matter of convenience; it is vital for empowering individuals to travel independently and engage equally in education, employment, and healthcare.
Ms M. Anushya is sharing her everyday struggle in accessing public transport.
Mr S. Srivatsan sharing the struggles faced by deaf and hard of hearing in public spaces
After the panel discussion, participants shared their personal experiences regarding mobility and accessibility in Chennai. They expressed appreciation for the initiatives taken by the metro and bus services to accommodate wheelchair users. Many noted that these improvements have enabled them to travel more independently. However, they highlighted that the absence of adequate pedestrian infrastructure remains a significant barrier. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Mohan from CAG.
Full report available for download now
A brief summary of the report in brochure form can be downloaded here.
Media Coverage
The event and the report were covered by the media: