Keralites travel India to discover how accessible it's for physically challenged: Helpful tips

In theory, 'public spaces' are open for everyone. However, for long, it has rarely felt that way for women, marginalised communities and especially, the physically challenged. Two months ago, a group of Malayalis decided to set out on wheelchairs to explore how accessible India truly is for persons with disabilities. Starting from Kerala, their journey took them across the country and even beyond its borders to Nepal and Bhutan, before they returned with a sobering conclusion: this world still does not fully embrace them.

The journey was part of the ‘Tri-Nation Accessibility Awareness Ride 2026’, organised to advocate for disability-friendly public spaces. Five people with disabilities, including four wheelchair users, initially set out on the ride. All of them are members of the Kerala chapter of the Delhi-based Eagle Specially Abled Riders. However, two participants had to withdraw even before the journey began due to serious health issues.

The team, led by PA Sooraj, K Ragesh and RB Rakesh, began the journey from Thrissur on January 15, travelling in a car and a scooter. RB Rakesh had to withdraw from the ride at Visakhapatnam, but Ragesh and Sooraj continued the expedition and are expected to return to Kerala by March 15 after completing the journey.

A journey that exposed hurdles
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 mandates that public spaces be made accessible for persons with disabilities. The Supreme Court has also directed that the law be implemented strictly. Yet, according to Sooraj, their experience during the journey suggested otherwise.

“Throughout the trip, we rarely saw these provisions reflected on the ground,” he said. Roads riddled with potholes, the absence of ramps in many public places and doorways too narrow for wheelchairs were common obstacles they encountered during the journey. The team has documented these barriers and uploaded complaints, along with photographs, on the Sugamya Bharat portal of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. 

Health tips for long travel
Waiting for a day when our country becomes accommodating enough of those with special needs might not be one in the near future. However, it is still possible for the physically challenged to undertake long trips like the Eagle Riders, if they bear the following tips in mind, says PA Sooraj. 
1)Ensure that the hotel rooms you book are wheelchair-friendly. Many medium-budget hotels do not have facilities to accommodate people with disabilities; therefore, extra care should be taken to check the details.

2)Ensure proper back support while on the move.
3)Take care to check whether you have conditions like bed sores or injuries regularly. Follow up with timely medical care. 
4)Carry medically recommended belts, travel jackets and other support equipment that suit your health condition.
5)Make sure you have all the documents related to your fitness and approvals with you, along with travel documents. 
6)Various Malayali Associations, churches and schools are generally forthcoming regarding guidance and help for wheelchair-friendly accommodation and facilities. 

A difficult yet empowering ride
Despite the difficulties, the group conducted awareness sessions for many groups and educational institutions on the importance of accessibility. Sooraj’s wife, Soumya, and Ragesh’s brothers, K Ranjith and Manish Kumar, also accompanied the team on the journey. Visit the Eagle Riders portal for details on their journey. 
(With inputs from Onmanorama Staff)