14.1. Harmonized Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India

Published by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), these guidelines serve as the primary reference for architects, engineers, urban planners, and developers.

These guidelines are essential for creating accessible infrastructure in India. They provide a framework that professionals in architecture, engineering, urban planning, and development follow to ensure that the built environment is accessible to everyone, especially persons with disabilities. The guidelines highlight specific requirements that must be incorporated into design and construction practices.

Think of these guidelines as a recipe for baking a cake. Just like the recipe lists ingredients and steps to ensure that the cake turns out well, these guidelines outline the necessary features that make buildings accessible, ensuring that everyone can use and benefit from public spaces.

Key features include:

• Mandatory ramp dimensions, lift design, and stair handrails
• Tactile flooring for visually impaired persons
• Accessible toilets and washrooms
• Reserved parking spaces
• Audio-visual indicators in buildings and public transport

The guidelines specify various features that buildings and public spaces must have to accommodate individuals with disabilities. For instance, ramps must meet certain dimensions to be safe and usable, lifts should be designed with accessibility in mind, and tactile flooring helps those who are visually impaired navigate spaces independently. Reserved parking ensures that individuals with disabilities have convenient access to buildings, and audio-visual indicators provide essential information for navigation and safety.

Imagine a shopping mall that everyone can visit. The ramps allow wheelchair users to enter easily, and the tactile flooring helps visually impaired individuals find their way like a path made of raised dots. Reserved parking spaces are like saving the best parking spots for special guests, ensuring they have easy access to the entrance.

These guidelines must be followed in:

• Government buildings
• Educational institutions
• Hospitals
• Parks and public recreational areas
• Bus stands, railways, airports

The guidelines apply to a wide range of public facilities to ensure that they are accessible to all. This includes government buildings where citizens engage with public services, educational institutions where students learn, hospitals where individuals receive care, and parks where communities gather. Public transport hubs like bus stands and airports must also comply to facilitate seamless travel for everyone.

Consider how important it is that a school is accessible to all students, just like how a library needs to be open to the entire community. If a school isn’t accessible, it’s like having a party where not everyone can come in – it restricts equal participation and inclusion.

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