The Supreme Court on Friday highlighted the urgent need to improve transport accessibility for persons with disabilities, suggesting that cab services should be modified to accommodate wheelchairs and assistive devices. The observations came during the hearing of a plea concerning first-mile and last-mile connectivity challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta underscored that urban transport systems must evolve to become more inclusive. Noting the widespread availability of app-based cab services in metropolitan cities, the Court suggested that these platforms could introduce specially designed vehicles for persons with disabilities.
“Now, in larger metros, there are cabs everywhere. Cabs should also be asked to accommodate wheelchairs or assistive devices of these persons,” the bench observed. It further proposed that cab aggregator apps could include a feature to identify and book such modified vehicles, stating, “The apps can have provision for specified cabs which have been accordingly modified for these individuals.”
The Court stressed the need for practical solutions, adding, “We have to find out the ways and means to help them.”
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel pointed out the difficulties faced by persons with disabilities while using existing cab services. It was highlighted that many cabs run on CNG, which reduces available boot space and makes it difficult to transport wheelchairs.
The counsel also suggested adopting universal design standards similar to those used in European countries. Emphasising real-world challenges, the bench posed a critical question to the Centre: “Take the case of a person whose house is, say, one km away from the highway or the main road. He comes on an automated wheelchair. If he doesn’t accommodate it in the cab, where does he leave it?”
Responding to the concerns, the Centre informed the Court that the issue is currently under examination by the relevant authorities. It also pointed out that a Supreme Court-appointed committee is already dealing with similar accessibility concerns raised in another petition.
The bench indicated that the issues raised in the present plea could also be examined by that committee. While the petitioner’s counsel argued that the present case specifically relates to last-mile connectivity, the Court noted that such concerns could be addressed within the broader framework already under consideration.
Recognising the growing reliance on app-based cabs as a part of public transport, the Court acknowledged the importance of making these services accessible to all sections of society.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 24.
