New Delhi: For 26-year-old Devesh, Chandni Chowk exists largely through stories told by others. Ask him what the iconic market brings to his mind and he lists familiar images — the Red Fort and the Paranthe Wali Gali. Living with his parents and brother in Rohini, he has heard countless accounts of the food, chaos and energy of Old Delhi, but has never been able to visit.“I won’t understand anything there,” said Devesh, who is completely blind. “It’s too crowded. There is no tactile paving. But of course, I want to go, especially to the Paranthe Wali Gali. My brother keeps telling me about it,” he added.However, his experience is far from unique. Chandni Chowk is where Delhi shops for weddings, hunts viral food reels and buys jewellery — all wrapped in the “Old Delhi vibe” romanticised by films such as Delhi-6 and Fukrey. Its lanes are packed with pedestrians, rickshaws brushing past, scooters honking incessantly and the smell of jalebis and parathas in the air. For many tourists, chaos is part of the charm. But for persons with disabilities, the same streets can be exclusionary.That question took centre stage on Global Accessibility Awareness Day at a conference organised by the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA) under its flagship Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan, in partnership with the office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) and Delhi govt.At the heart of the discussion was a proposal for ‘Mission Accessible Chandni Chowk’, backed by a preliminary survey conducted by IDEA to identify accessibility gaps in the market.The survey flagged several barriers that make movement difficult, particularly for elderly visitors and persons with disabilities. Narrow and congested streets leave little space for safe pedestrian movement, while ramps and other accessibility-friendly infrastructure remain inadequate. Lack of clear signs and navigation aids makes it harder to find one’s way. Accessible transport options are limited, and many shops remain out of reach due to steps, uneven levels and narrow entrances.To address these issues, the proposal envisages a constituency-level accessibility assessment under the Delhi Sugamya Sarvekshan, covering public buildings, markets, civic infrastructure and pedestrian spaces, guided by the principles of universal design.The findings would feed into department-wise action plans, helping authorities prioritise immediate interventions, medium-term upgrades and long-term integration of accessibility measures into Chandni Chowk’s redevelopment. The plan also stresses coordination among nodal officers, civic agencies, market associations and govt departments.Public engagement initiatives, including accessibility walks and stakeholder consultations, have been proposed to build awareness and encourage citizen participation.The proposal outlines a phased rollout — launch of ‘Mission Accessible Chandni Chowk’ in May, a full-scale Sugamya Sarvekshan between June and Sept this year, implementation of solutions from Sept to Dec and expansion of accessible infrastructure initiatives from Jan 2027.“Chandni Chowk represents India’s heritage and commerce. We want to make it a model for accessible tourism, accessible trade and inclusive public infrastructure,” said MP Praveen Khandelwal.The focus, however, extends beyond Chandni Chowk. Under the Accessible Bharat Campaign, the Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan is advocating user-led audits and long-term interventions anchored in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. Several working papers released on Global Accessibility Awareness Day highlighted how navigating Delhi can still feel like an obstacle course for persons with disabilities.Audits found missing tactile paths in hotels, hospital washrooms that are difficult for wheelchair users to access and basic gaps in accessibility. Hospital assessments flagged steps at entrances, absence of tactile guidance systems, inadequate wheelchairs and poor signage that hampers emergency navigation. Even canteens and washrooms were often inaccessible to wheelchair users and elderly patients.The findings went beyond public institutions. Audits of luxury hotels revealed barriers across the guest journey — from drop-off zones and lobby counters to restaurants, pools and spas — showing how accessibility remains an afterthought even in premium spaces.The reports argued that accessibility in India is still treated as a “feature” rather than “a lived experience”. A single ramp or lift, they noted, cannot make a building inclusive if the rest of the journey remains inaccessible.Speaking at the event, Mallikarjuna Iytha, the founder of IDEA, said, “Accessibility is no longer a welfare conversation. It is about governance, economy, dignity and equal citizenship. India’s cities must redesign systems for inclusion.”Urban development minister Ashish Sood said, “The govt is committed to building a capital that is inclusive, accessible and dignified for every citizen. Accessibility is not merely an infrastructure requirement; it is central to equitable governance and social justice.”
