India is losing nearly $214 billion (₹17.9 lakh crore) each year due to inaccessible infrastructure and lack of inclusive design, according to a report by Financial Express citing a joint study by KPMG and Svayam. The study highlights that one in three Indians experience reduced mobility stemming from disability, ageing, illness, or temporary injury, resulting in significant economic and social losses.
The report underscores that this lack of accessibility leads to lost working days, lower productivity, reduced consumption, and greater care dependence, all of which cumulatively slow down the nation’s economic potential.
In contrast, the study found that inclusive infrastructure and universal design systems contribute to higher labour force participation, greater consumer spending, and improved social equity. Experts note that accessible environments not only empower individuals but also enhance economic efficiency by enabling broader participation in education, employment, and public life.
As India moves toward urban expansion and smart city development, the report calls for stronger accessibility standards, policy enforcement, and cross-sector collaboration to bridge the access gap and unlock the country’s full economic potential.
