Safe Access ManualThe Safe Access Manual is EMBARQ India’s latest publication and offers recommendations to develop safe access to mass transit stations in Indian cities. An investment of 15 billion USD has already been made across various cities to develop mass transit infrastructure such as metro rail and bus rapid transit. Improving access to mass transit in India can serve multiple objectives—provide safe, affordable and sustainable commuting options, create vibrant public spaces and serve its communities’ needs.
EMBARQ India has worked closely with a number of cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Hubli-Dharwad and others to help plan and implement station accessibility plans. The Safe Access Manual uses a case study approach and provides contextualised learnings to inform planning processes and guidelines, implementation and maintenance strategies and evaluation indicators. The key takeaways focus on planning approaches, institutional structures, and financing mechanisms to address the challenges in implementation of station accessibility plans. The manual recommends assessments and evaluation at different stages of the project.
It is envisioned that this manual will serve as a guide to planners and authorities while building mass transit infrastructure so that our cities can be safer by design.