With a view to ensure accessiblity of Delhi’s infrastructure more inclusive, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Tuesday has written to the Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu wherein he expressed concern over the challenges faced by vulnerable pedestrians on a daily basis.
In a formal letter to the LG, the Speaker urged him for the installation of audible signals at the traffic lights across the national capital to ensure the safety of the Divyangjans (visually impaired persons) and also the senior citizens.
Citing data from the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at AIIMS, Gupta highlighted that nearly 60 lakh people in Delhi suffer from various vision impairments.
Notably, with around 12 to 18 lakh people living with significant low vision, many of whom are senior citizens, the Speaker emphasized that current traffic systems are inadequate for those who cannot rely on visual cues.
Gupta’s letter to the LG stresses that the lack of accessible crossing aids poses a constant risk of accidents, and limits the mobility of a vast section of the population. He pointed towards successful international models where sound-based cues, such as beeps or ticking tones, are standard features at intersections.
He noted that countries like Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, France, Sweden, Brazil, and Australia have successfully integrated these systems to improve pedestrian accessibility.
Gupta mentioned the use of “melodic” or bird-like sounds, as seen in Japan, which help pedestrians easily recognize when it is safe to cross, thereby creating a more empathetic and user-friendly environment.
He underlined that the installation of audible signals at major traffic intersections is not just a technical upgrade, but is also a necessity for human dignity and safety.
He emphasized that with the implementing of such measures, Delhi can significantly reduce road accidents and move toward becoming a truly inclusive “smart city” that caters to all its residents regardless of their physical abilities.
The Speaker requested the LG Sandhu to examine the proposal and expedite the implementation on a priority basis.