Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has taken a decisive stand for accessibility by writing to LG Vinai Kumar Saxena, demanding audible signals on traffic lights to protect the visually challenged and seniors. This comes amid growing concerns over the capital’s pedestrian hazards for those dependent on non-visual navigation.
Citing data from AIIMS’s eye center, Gupta noted that 6 million Delhiites grapple with sight issues, including 1.2-1.8 million with profound low vision, predominantly among the elderly. Visual-only signals render crossings perilous, confining many to limited movement and exposing them to constant dangers.
The letter stresses how inadequate infrastructure perpetuates inequality, urging adoption of proven international models. From Japan’s soothing bird chirps to standard beeps in the US, UK, and beyond, these systems have transformed pedestrian safety worldwide.
Gupta pointed to nations like Singapore, France, Sweden, Brazil, Hong Kong, and Australia, where audible cues are commonplace, enhancing urban inclusivity. Such innovations not only prevent tragedies but also empower independent living.
This isn’t merely about technology—it’s about upholding dignity and building a smart city that leaves no one behind. By fitting major junctions with these signals, Delhi can slash accident rates and promote true accessibility.
In closing, the Speaker implored the LG for immediate action, positioning this as a priority to make the city’s roads a haven for all.