Inclusive Spaces in Urban Settings: A Case Study of Ahmedabad

By : Naandi Parikh , Sunny Bansal

Page No: 432-444

Abstract
Urbanisation in the 21st century underscores the vital need for inclusive cities that ensure accessibility and belonging for all. Ahmedabad, a rapidly growing United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage City in India, embodies both the challenges and prospects of equitable urban development. Despite modernising with mass transit systems like the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and Metro, spatial disparities persist, with marginalised groups — including persons with disabilities, women, and low-income populations — often lacking access to safe and functional environments.

Existing literature, from global concepts like the “Right to the City” to local studies on Indian urbanisation, highlights issues of marginalisation and infrastructural exclusion. However, research specific to Ahmedabad tends to focus hardly on isolated aspects like transport or heritage, lacking a comprehensive, intersectional analysis that considers how gender, disability, and socioeconomic status combine to create compounded barriers.

This study addresses these gaps by evaluating inclusivity in Ahmedabad’s public transit systems - BRTS stops and Metro stations - through infrastructure audits focused on accessibility, safety, and utility, particularly for people with mobility issues. It assesses current policies like the Accessible India Campaign against national standards, such as the Harmonised Guidelines for Barrier-Free Environments, and examines the policy-implementation divide. Stakeholder interviews provide deeper insights into lived experiences. By adopting an intersectional framework, the research moves beyond theoretical discourse to offer actionable recommendations for planners and policymakers. It aims to enhance inclusivity in Ahmedabad’s urban fabric while providing transferable insights for other rapidly urbanising Indian cities.

Authors
Naandi Parikh, Research Scholar, Anant National University, India.
Dr Sunny Bansal, Assistant Professor, Anant National University, India.
 

DOI: DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/NL.2025.57.04.3