Many footpaths in Kochi remain inaccessible to wheelchair users

The authorities in Kochi have not yet made many footpaths in the city accessible to wheelchair users, despite orders from the State Commissionerate for Persons With Disabilities to remove obstacles. The Commissionerate previously instructed the removal of bollards along footpaths of recently re-laid roads, but the initiative was left unfinished when the Commissioner’s tenure ended. Wheelchair users in the city have expressed frustration over the lack of accessible footpaths, as the bollards obstruct their movement. The absence of ramps also makes it difficult for wheelchair users and those in mobility scooters to access footpaths, forcing them to park on the roads. The issue remains unresolved, affecting around 300 wheelchair users in the district.