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EXTRAORDINARY
PART I—Section 1
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No. 282] NEW DELHI, THUR SDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023/KARTIKA 18, 194 5
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MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 8th November, 2023.
F. No. CD -11053/63/2021 -Coord.—Whereas section 40 of the Rights of Persons wit h Disabilities Act, 2016
(49 of 2016) envisages that the Central Government shall, in consultation with the Chief Commissioner, formulate
rules for persons with disabilities laying down the standards of accessibility for the physical environment,
transport ation, information and communications, including appropriate technologies and systems, and other facilities
and services provided to the p ublic in urban and rural areas;
And whereas, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Empowermen t of Persons
with Disabilities, vide its Office Memorandum No. 38 -05/2022 -DD-III, dated the 21st July, 2022 has circulated the
procedure to be followed by the concerned Ministry or Department of the Central Government in notifying the
accessibility standar ds in respect of the facilities and services accessible to persons with disabilities pertaining to their
sector, before incorporation of the said accessibility standards in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017;
And whereas, the Ministry of P orts, Shipping and Waterways, being the nodal Ministry in the Central
Government with respect to issues concerning port and shipping sector, has accordingly, developed “Guidelines for
Accessibility Standards in Port Sector” with the intent to address the a ccessibility needs of persons with disabilities
and other user groups in context of built environment and services associated wi th transportation of cargo and
passengers, in consultation with stakeholders and office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities;
Now, therefore, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways hereby notifies the “Guidelines for
Accessibility Standards in Port Sector”, which is annexed herewith.
GUIDELINES FOR ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS IN PORT SECTOR
PREFACE
Keeping in view the changing Role of the Port and Shipping sector in todays’ time, it may not be enough to
provide a legal regime for A ccessibility Standards. It is equally important to make the service providers aware of the
importance and advantages of including Accessibility Standards in their operations to expand their customer base. In
this background, the guidelines in this report a ttempt to touch both (i) the vital aspects of Accessibility Standards in all
possible places in the Ports, as well as (ii) disability inc lusive sensitisation of staff.
This report attempts to first establish the relevance of Accessibility Standards for P ort sector, the extent to
which the extant legal regime has application to services in Ports, perspective building of those perusing these
guidelines by succinctly introducing the stakeholders and structures in Ports followed by guidelines to be adhered to
for ens uring Accessibility Standards.
The guidelines provided here are illustrative in nature and not exhaustive. They intend to meet the immediate
requirements of Accessibility to ensure that the facilities are made usable by the persons with disabilit y and reduced
mobility. Besides these guidelines, the sector specific detailed guidelines made by Experts such as the guidelines on
Accessibility Standards prepared by Tourism and Travel Department, Transport Department, Hotel Industry,
Commercial and Ind ustrial Department may also be, to the extent relevant, relied upon and used at different places in
the Port, Harbours and Piers. To this extent, these guidelines are not conclusive; but are open to continual
improvement.
These guidelines can be used as broad guiding principles for planning of Accessibility Standards at the time
of construction of Cruise and Passenger Terminals, Transport Hubs in the Ports and harbours as also in retrofitting the
existing structures. To ensure that these guidelines remain practical for implementation, salient features of the
guidelines have been discussed with the Nodal Officer for Cruise Tourism and the other Stakeholders.
CHAPTER ONE
PORT SECTOR
1.1 Overview: Transport plays a key role in territorial possession and eco nomic development, irrespective of its
mode. The ports play vital role turning the barrier of sea into a bridge for transportation of cargo and passengers
providing opportunity to businesses for the economic growth of the Country. Maritime Transport is als o a mode for
achieving socio -economic integration and cost -efficient movement of cargo and passengers. The Indian Ports and the
Maritime Sector of India provides huge opportunity and contribute substantially in the area of transportation.
India happens to be the 16th largest Maritime Country in the world with a coastline of 7,517 kilometres, 12
Major Ports and 205 notified Intermediary or Minor Ports. Around 70% of the India’s trade by value and 95% of
trade by volume is handled using Maritime Transport. The huge coastline on the three sides of the country provides
huge potential to be monetized for movement of coastal cargo and passengers. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
Waterways has taken several measures to improve operational efficiency of Ports t hrough mechanisation, deepening
of draft, speedy evacuation, last mile connectivity, deep draft, creation of new six Mega Ports under the National
Perspective Plan Sagarma la, Maritime India Vision, etc.
1.2 Relevance of Accessibility Standards in Ports:
In recent time, India has emerged as a Cruise Destination on international map attracting many foreign Cruise
calls and tourists, besides witnessing an unprecedented surge in domestic cruise tourism. A Study conducted at
national level by an expert, Bermell o Ajamil & Partners in the year 2017 projected the cruise potential of India to the
tune of 4 million passengers and Mumbai as the Cruise capital with largest share of the projected traffic.
2016 India’s Potential Potential of Mumbai
Number of passengers 0.2 million 4 million 3.2 million
Number of passenger ships 166 955 700
Passengers per ship 1200 4100 4570
Economic potential INR 712 Crores INR 35500 Crores INR 28400 Crores
Employment potential 5000 250000 200000
While this be so, Cruise tourism i n India is still a nascent industry. As projected, there is a huge opportunity
to capture the market because geographically India is strategically located between Western Europe and Asia and
every ship to Europe must pass through it. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is well poised to revamp
the country’s current Port infrastructure, set up dedicated terminals to cater to the needs of tourists and undertake
riverfront development on a massive scale in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism to propose and develop more
cruise tourism terminals in the country.
A national plan for development of cruise tourism in India is drawn with large scale investments to develop
Cruise Terminals of International Standard, at Ports of Mumbai, Mormugao, New Man galore, Cochin, Chennai,
Vizag, Kolkata, etc. Country’s biggest international cruise terminal is under construction at Mumbai and will be ready
for inauguration in the last quarter of FY 2023 -24. A new terminal at Cochin is dedicated to nation by Hon’ble P rime
Minister in February 2021.
To have a coordinated and synchronized promotion and development of cruise industry at the National level,
a Task Force is formed by the Government of India, consisting of Secretary (PSW) and Secretary (Tourism), with
Member s from Ministry of Home Affairs, Customs, Cruise Lines, CISF, Bureau of Immigration, IWAI, Indian Ports
Association, Ports, Tour operators, etc. for overall country -wide promotion of Cruise and Shipping. Cruise & Tourism
Committee is in place in each Port Representative of State Tourism Board, State Maritime Boards, Cruise Lines, Tour
Operators, etc. are also members of Committee. The Committee discusses measures for development of various tourist
spots, such as Forts, Beaches, and Temples etc. as cruise de stination.
Besides this, the country has also taken keen interest through its national vision plan, to develop water
transportation using passenger boats, Ro - Ro, ferries, hovercrafts, etc. to provide cheaper and accessible means of
transportation to a la rger section of population.
MoU for the introduction of Passenger and Cruise services on the Coastal and Protocol routes is signed on
08.04.2017 between India and Bangladesh. For its operationalization, an SOP was signed on 25.10.2018 during the
SSLT betw een India and Bangladesh. Both the countries started their inaugural cruise services Dhaka – Kolkata -
Dhaka and Kolkata – Pandu - Kolkata via Indo Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) Route during March -April 2019.
Inland Waterways Authority of India is also the P roject Development Consultant for implementing the
Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Project in Myanmar on behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
The objective of the project is to provide an alternate route to Mizoram from Kolkata / Ha ldia Ports through Kaladan
River in Myanmar.
Consequently, this segment of transportation and tourism has assumed importance in recent years in the Port
and shipping sector. This transition of the Ports from purely cargo handling terminals to Cruise termi nals of
international standards makes it necessary to frame standard guidelines on Accessibility Standards.
In this perspective, it is important that persons with disability or reduced mobility, using transportation by sea
or inland waterways on cruise, f erries and passenger boats have certain set of rights like Right to Information, Right to
Care and Assistance, Right of Non -discriminatory Access to transport. Fulfilment of these rights of the users of water
transport facilities puts responsibility on the carriers, the travel agents, the tour operators, the terminal planners, and
operators to follow certain standard guidelines to ensure that persons with disability or reduced mobility are not
deprived of their rights.
To enable the Persons with Disabiliti es to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life, Ports
need to take appropriate measures to ensure accessibility to Persons with Disabilities on an equal basis with others to
the physical environment, to transportation, to information and communications, including information and
communication technologies and to other facilities and services. These measures shall include identification and
elimination of obstacles and barriers to accessibility and ensure
(i) accessibility standards at the facilities like ports, jetties, terminals, boats, cruise – ships, house boats,
yachts,
(ii) accessible services viz ticket booking, route maps schedules, special assistant bookings, security
checks, parking space, etc.
(iii) accessible formats of information dissemination like Braille formats, digital information boards, etc.
and
(iv) emergency evacuation provisi ons, amongst others.
1.3 Legal framework for Accessibility Standar ds applicable to Ports & Ships:
On 13th December’2006, the United N ations adopted the convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
and the Republic of India, a signatory to the said convention, ratified it on 1st October’2007. Accordingly, the
Parliament of the Republic of India enacted on 27th December 2016, the Rig ht of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
(49 of 2016). These guidelines are made keeping in mind the relevant provisions made in the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities Act 2016 (49 of 2016) (the Act) enacted in India to give effect to the UN Convention o n the Rights of
persons with disability and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.
These guidelines take into consideration the definition of “communication” given in clause (f) of section 2 of
the Act, which includes means and formats o f communication, languages, display of text, Braille, tactile
communication, signs, large prints, accessible multimedia, written, audio, video, visual displays, sign language, plain
language and so on. The guidelines also deal with disability inclusive sen sitization to deal with discrimination as
defined under clause (h) of section 2 of the Act in relation to disability. It also emphasises the use of Information and
Communication Technology in the form of web -based services, electronic and print services, d igital and virtual
services as defined under clause (h) of section 2 of the Act.
These guidelines attempt to address the issues concerning person with disability as defined under clause (s)
section 2 of the Act. Clause (w) of Section 2 of the Act defines public buildings, which amongst others, includes
buildings used for workplace, commercial activities, leisure or recreational activities and waterways. Similarly, the
public facilities and services under clause (x) of section 2 of the Act include, amongst others, delivery of services to
the public at large, leisure or recreational services and transportation. Water transport as a part of transport is included
in the definition of transportation system under clause (zd) of section 2 of the Act. This mostly c overs the passenger
travel facilities, cruise terminals, harbour cruising facilities, waterways transportation, which is one of the segments
where services are provided by the ports. The Act has also conceptualized universal design and its usage without th e
need for adaptation. To this extent, the standards developed by the Ministry of Urban Development in the form of
Harmonized standards have been referred to in these guidelines.
Besides this, the Act also calls upon to take measures to promote and protect the rights of persons with
disabilities to participate in recreational activities equally with others under section 29 of the Act. Clause (g) of the
said section provides for developing technology assistive devices and equipments to facilitate access and inclusion of
persons with disabilities in recreational activities. The activities undertaken from the cruise terminal like day -time
cruises, short distance overnight cruises, cultural and entertainment programs on board the ships fall in the category of
recreational activities and to this extent the facilities must provide for Accessibility Standards both on Shore and on
Board.
Since the legislation also deals with special provisions for persons with benchmark disabilities, providing for
reservation of pos ts, both in government as well as in private sector by way of incentives to employers, even the office
buildings and workplace have been considered within the framework of these guidelines.
he Act has also made it mandatory to observe accessibility norms while granting permission to build any
structure and prescribe time limit for making existing infrastructure and premises accessible.
Although, under section 41 of the Act dealing with access to transport, facilities for persons with disabilities
at water transport terminal is not included in clause (a) of the said section, the guidelines here, to the extent relevant,
have adopted the standards from the harmonized standards developed by the Ministry of Urban Development so that
the water transport terminal conform to the Accessibility Standards relating to parking spaces, toilets, ticketing
counter and other aspects dealing with facilities at such terminals.
Summary of recommended guidelines on Relevance of Accessibility standards in Ports:
(i) The ports play vi tal role in transportation of cargo and passengers. India is the 16th largest Maritime
Country in the world with 12 Major and 205 notified Intermediary or Minor Ports.
(ii) Of late, India has emerged as a Cruise Destination on international map and is witnessi ng an
unprecedented surge in domestic cruise tourism.
(iii) A national plan for development of cruise tourism and water transportation in India is drawn with large
scale investments to develop International Standard Cruise Terminals.
(iv) At the National level, to have a coordinated and synchronized promotion and development of cruise
industry, a Task Force is formed by the Government of India.
(v) Cruise and Tourism Committee is in place in each Port with representatives of State Tourism Board,
State Maritime Boards, C ruise Lines, Tour Operators, etc.
(vi) India, on 27th December 2016, enacted the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (49 of 2016)
(the Act). The Act makes it mandatory to take measures to promote and protect the rights of persons
with disabilities to e nable the Persons with Disabilities to participate in all aspects of life. Hence, ports
need to ensure accessibility to Persons with Disabilities on an equal basis with others.
CHAPTER TWO
GUIDELINES ON ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD RELATED INFORMATION AND SENSIT IZATION
2.1. Importance of different modes of information :
It needs to be appreciated that the reduced mobility could be on account of more than one factors. For
instance, a person hard of hearing may not be able to grasp information that is made availa ble by way of
announcements. For them, an alternate mode of information dissemination is required. Similarly, a person with visual
impairment may not benefit from the visual clues and for such persons’ announcements are important. In other words,
the opera tors of the port terminals and cruise ships need to provide Accessible Information in multiple formats
through different sources, only one source of information may not suffice.
2.2 Why is information dissemination im portant for Port and shipping?
Over th e period of time, Ports in India have evolved through different models from being a comprehensive
traditional port handling cargo, to the landlord Ports operated by private parties as logistics platform, where not only
the cargo handling from the ships is carried out but other ancillary activities to promote commerce and trade such as
assembling of parts, distribution centres, special economic zones, etc. are also performed. In all such areas,
Accessibility is to be provided not only to the persons engaged in cargo handling operations, but to a variety of
workforce and customers, who provide various ancillary services for effective functioning of logistics platform.
Besides this, of late, Ports and shipping, especially in the areas surrounded by the cities, are entering into new domain
like cruise tourism, harbour tourism, different modes of passenger transportation using waterways, heritage tourism,
lighthouse tourism etc. While international cruise tourism caters to the needs of international tourists, the passenger
and transport terminals may provide facility for short distance water transportation to the residents in and around the
area. Likewise, the destinations developed for lighthouse tourism, heritage walks through historic premises of the port
may have many citizens of all age groups calling on the Port, besides the conventional class of Port workers like cargo
handling labour, transport loaders, unloaders, crane operators, etc. Provision of clear, concise, and accessible
information through multip le sources to this class of people coming to the Ports and ships will build confidence in
them that, if they approach the port facility, their safety will be properly taken care of, given their limitations. Building
of this confidence will lead to the expa nding of customer base for the opera tors resulting in more profits.
2.3. How to provide the information :
It is desirable that information is made accessible on a wider platform at minimal cost for the benefit of all.
Consequently, means of providing infor mation are to be used thoughtfully. Before that, it is also equally important to
know as to what the format of information should be. Any information needs to satisfy the following aspects.
(1) Clarity:
Information must be clear : Clarity implies that info rmation is legible and easily understandable. Use of simple and
everyday language without Jargon woul d make the information clear.
(2) Conciseness:
The Information need to be focused and concise: Though information must be complete, it has to be precise a nd to
the point. Use of standard symbols can help reduce use of sentence and words to make the information concise. Too
much information or write up can lead to confusion.
(3) Focus and Consistency:
Accuracy of the information: The information provided ha s to be accurate to ensure that it does not lead to stress.
Also, information at different locations has to be consistent, so that there are n o delays or resultant distress.
(4) Time:
Information should be timely: While talking about Passenger terminals, cruise terminals, Transport hubs in the Port,
it may be necessary to provide advance information through website, printed material, and also information at
terminals as the persons with reduced mobility may like to have the information at their disposal be fore they embar k
upon their intended journey.
(5) Contents:
What can the information contain: The contents of information would depend upon the stage of time at which the
information is provided. For instance, the information provided beforehand about a c ruising facility may contain the
information about the routes, the time of departure, the travel time information on various requirements such as
purchasing of ticket, booking of seats, payment options, concessions available, information about the faciliti es
available at the terminal, onboard the vessels like lifts, toilets, shops, etc. details about the assistance that is availabl e
or that can be made available in case of need. At the Terminal, Port, Pier or harbour information about arrivals,
departures, instructions on how to get help, services available, contact information and helplines in case of disruptions,
signages showing arrivals, departures, delays and long d elay and so on can be provided.
(6) Place:
At what places the information need to be avai lable: The cardinal principle is that the information should be easy
to locate and can be through different modes, like websites, leaflets, signages and so on, which are conspicuously
displayed in and around the facility to ensure continuity of the inform ation till the user reaches the facility.
2.4. The format in which the information need to be provided:
This is as important as the information itself. Besides the persons with disability, reduced mobility, persons
with visual impairment, many people ov er 40 years may need reading glasses to read the information, if provided in
smaller font. Hence, looking at the age group of the people that call on the facility, it is advisable to choose the larger
font size. Similarly, keeping the cultural background o f the people calling on the facility in mind, the information may
also be provided in different languages separately. Information in leaflets may not only be in large text size but also in
Braille to facilitate people with vision impairment. Audio informat ion through announcements also need to be in
multiple languages understood by the users of the facility. This can also be in more than one formats. Information
shall be made available in readable, audible and sense (braille) format. All three communicatio n systems can be made
available at the same point. For instance, the safety instructions given on Board the Aeroplane by the airhostess using
body language, signs, gestures, demonstration, audio announcement in two languages and written leaflets. Similar
format can be adopted onboard the vessel at pre departure point. By the side of written information displayed in the
terminals, signages should also be provided for people coming from different parts of the world, who do not
understand a particular langua ge. In such a situation care need to be taken to ensure that the signage used is
internationally acceptable and approved. The details on signage viz. display type and size, colour background and
legends used, are given in Chapter 6.4 of this standard alon g with template. Besides this, information on exact travel
route, Maps, timetable, distance, etc. can also be provided using mobile apps, e -mails, SMS and blue -tooths in both
audio-visual and readable format.
2.5. Information provided through the website :
Mostly, the Information provided through the website is in a very conventional form, in the form of written
text to be accessed using mouse. This may present difficulty to the persons with reduced mobility or physical
impairment in navigating the mouse. To meet the requirements of accessibility for such persons, additional software
for screen reading can also be installed in the websites and information in audio format can also be given on the
website. For example, while searching meaning of a word on G oogle website, the meaning of the word appear in
written format with a sign of loud speaker or microphone on the screen, which when touched pronounces the word
exactly. Information given in the forms like maps, routes, distances etc can also be provided i n text format as well as
in audio format. There are professionals to check and carryout website accessibility audit. They can check and
provide the level of accessibility of the website designed. Besides this, there are internationally accepted set of
standards such as Web Content Accessibility guid elines, which may be followed.
2.6 Digital Accessibility:
The web portal needs to be made accessible irrespective of device in use, technology or ability so as to provide
maximum accessibility and usability to the visitors.
Efforts should be to ensure that all information on the portal is accessible to people with disabilities. For example, a
user with visual disability can access the portal using assistive technologies, such as screen readers and screen
magnif iers. Audible formats also need to be added, which shall get activated if the site experiences a time lag on the
page. All the options for changes given hereunder shall be available as numbers asking the person to speak any one
out of the list of numbers. Option to go back to main menu shall also be there.
Following accessibility options can be provided on the web page to maximize accessibility:
➢ Changing the Text Size
Changing the size of the text refers to making the text appearing smaller or bigger from its standard size. Following
options can be provided to set the size of the text that affects the readability:
• Largest: Displays information in the largest font size.
• Larger: Displays information in a font size larger than the standard font size.
• Medium: D isplays information in a standard font size, which is the default size.
• Smaller: Displays information in a font size smaller than the standard font size.
• Smallest: Displays information in the smallest font size.
Process to change the text size can be expla ined on the website as under:
1. Select Accessibility Options. The Accessibility Options page is displayed.
2. From the Text Size section, select the appropriate text size.
3. Click Apply.
➢ Changing the Colour Scheme
Changing the colour scheme refers to ap plying a suitable background and text colour that ensures clear readability.
Following options can be provided to change the colour scheme:
• High Contrast: Applies the black colour as the background and suitable colours to the text on the screen to
improve readability.
• Standard Contrast: Brings the screen back to its original appearance.
Process to change the colour scheme can be explained on web page as under:
1. Select Accessibility Options. The Accessibility Options page is displayed.
2. From the Contras t Schemes section, select the appropriate contrast.
3. Click Apply
➢ Changing the Text Spacing
Changing the spacing of text refers to increasing the white space between two words from the default white space to
improve readability for users with visual and l earning impairments. Following options can be provided to set the white
space between words that affect readability:
• Default: Allows to set the white space between two words to standard width.
• Wider: Allows to increase the white space between two words tha n the standard width.
• Widest: Allows to further increase the white space between two words than the standard width.
Procedure to change the text spacing can be explained on website as under:
1. Select Accessibility Options. The Accessibility Options page i s displayed.
2. From the Text Spacing section, select the appropriate text spacing.
3. Click Apply
➢ Icons:
Text on the website can be supplemented with icons, wherever appropriate to enable users with learning disabilities
understand the information easil y. Icons can be provided along with text labels for key navigation options as well as
important features, such as print, email etc.
➢ Contrast Sensitivity
People with vision impairments such as retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and catar act have
low colour contrast sensitivity.
When designing the webpages, care be taken to
(i) Make sure to have a high contrast between the foreground and background, such as yellow letters on a black
background.
(ii) Avoid using thin fonts.
(iii) Avoid using any JavaScri pt or CSS features that will prevent visually impaired users from increasing the
contrast.
(iv) Avoid using combinations like green text on red background and vice versa as they are hard to read.
➢ Accessible Video and Multimedia
Videos and other multimedia elem ents play a critical role in increasing the user -engagement on website. While
blind and visually -impaired users can’t see visuals, deaf users and those hard -of-hearing can’t hear audio. One can use
an audio description to describe images, gestures, and cha nges in settings, among others. It will help blind users to
understand the video. But audio description can be kept short to avoid making it a meaningless experience for the
user. Well synchronized text captions can also be provided with the video and audi o tracks for users, who are deaf or
hard-of-hearing.
➢ Minimize the Use of Tables
Usually, screen readers will inform blind users of how many rows and columns a table has. However, it is often
challenging for screen readers to read the tabular data in the s ame flow that matches the visual order. Hence, minimize
use of tables on websites. However, if you must create a table, use the correct headers for each row and column.
2.7. Disability inclusive sensitization of the staff :
This is a particularly importan t aspect to be borne in mind by the service providers, as the effective use of the
services by persons falling in this category depends on the sensitivity with which the staff respond to the needs of the
persons arriving at the facility to avail the servic es. The staff interacting with persons with disability needs to be given
to understand that, such persons are not to be looked upon as victims or object of pity or charity. They are the people
who are capable of making their own decisions and leading meani ngful and independent life. They need to be asked
before rendering any help as to whether any assistance is required by them. This is important because not that every
person with disability may use the help, all the time and making this kind of an assumpt ion may lead to displease the
persons with disabilities. Also, depending upon the requirement of persons with different types of disablement,
sensitization has to be done differently. For instance, while talking to the people, who are confined to wheelchai r, it
may be good to sit in a chair and talk so that conversation is taking place from a similar height. Similarly, while
interacting with a person who is hard of hearing, use of body language and expressions on the face may make the
communication more eff ective and meaningful. Staff need to be taught to use different modes and manners of
communication depending upon the requirement like speak slowly, speak clearly, repeat if required, write on a memo
pad and show and so on.
It should be ensured that disabi lity awareness training and periodic refresher courses are conducted for the
staffs that interact with the customer.
The programs should focus on operational issues and soft skills, example – How to interact with a customer
with visual or speech impairmen t, how to transfer a customer with dignity from their assistive device to our
wheelchair and asking the customer if they would need assistance.
All personnel on help desk, the person in charge of the security counter and immigration counter should be
given training to communicate efficiently with all the people with disabilities including training on sign language.
Besides this, all the different stakeholders in the port, described at Para 3.2 of this report, should also be
imparted with sensitization and t raining.
Minimum 2 staff per 50 staff and 1 staff per next 50 staff or part thereof shall be conversant with the sign
language or are equipped with dealing with persons with different abilities.
For sensitization of the associated staff, there shall be man datory requirement to go through a refresher cum
certification course every two years.
Summary of recommended guidelines on information:
(i) The Maritime Passenger transport operator should provide information in multiple formats accessible at
different points i.e, before setting out, at the Ports and harbours, on the vessel, after leaving the vessel.
(ii) The passenger transport operators, in the minimum, to ensure that safety and emergency information,
timetable and websites are accessible to all.
(iii) Operators should also ensure that specific information is available on the terminal on how to get
assistance to the passengers with reduced mobility or disability.
(iv) The maritime passenger transport operators to ensure that the staff employed by them are sensitized
and tra ined to be able to provide accurate and clear information to the passengers with disability or
reduced mobility.
(v) The web portal needs to be accessible irrespective of device in use. Accessibility options can be
provided on the web page to maximize accessib ility to include changing the Text Size, Changing the
Colour Scheme, Changing the Text Spacing, Contrast Sensitivity adjustment. Text on the website can
be supplemented with icons. Audio description to be used to describe images, gestures, and changes in
settings. Use of tables on websites to be minimized.
CHAPTER THREE
STAKEHOLDERS AT PORTS .
3.1 Types of stakeholders in the Ports:
In general parlance, Port is the interface between water transport and land transport. Ports handle cargo and
provide range o f services to passengers. Cargo handled at Ports may be classified as Break bulk, Dry bulk, Liquid bulk
and container. On the other hand, passengers at Ports may be divided into two broad categories viz. domestic
passengers and international passengers.
For handling such cargo and passengers, various agencies and persons actively participate, who may broadly
be called “Stakeholders”. Such stakeholders may be classified into three broad categories viz.
(i) Stakeholders responsible for cargo handling (includin g vessel movement);
(ii) Stakeholders responsible for providing services to the passengers;
(iii) Other stakeholders who are not directly involved in handling of cargo and/or passengers such as port
state control officers classification society surveyors, etc.
3.2 Ro les of different stakeholders in the Ports.
Role of different stakeholders need to be clearly understood to frame Accessibility Standards.
(i) Stakeholders responsible for cargo handling (including vessel movement)
Types of stakeholders in this category a nd role assigned to them is as under -
Types of stakeholders
associated with cargo
handling Role
(a) Marine officers and
marine crew members
belonging to the port
and different contractors
of the port • Pilots (either regular or contractual employee of p ort) navigate the vessel from
sea/ harbour to berth/jetty and vice versa.
• Marine crew members help the vessels navigate the lock (if any), get moored to
the bollards etc.
• Crew members of tug assist the vessels in shipping movement.
(b) Crew members of
merchant vessels They man the vessels visiting ports. Since they may obtain shore pass and visit the
city, they should be taken into consideration while framing accessibility standards
for ports.
(c) Cargo handling workers They handle cargo, both on -board the vessels and on shore. They may belong to Port,
Stevedores, Shore Handling Agents, etc.
(d) Employees of mobile
cargo handling
equipments They handle different mobile cargo handling equipment deployed in the port. They
may belong to port, contracto rs of port, stevedoring and shore handling agents etc.
(e) Stevedoring and shore
handling agents They provide cargo handling workers to work on -board the vessels and/or on shore.
Apart from cargo handling workers, they deploy supervisors, commercial cle rks etc.
(f) Clearing and forwarding
agents They deploy manpower to undertake port and customs formalities in order to cart in
or out export or import cargo.
(g) Other personnel of ports They supervise cargo handling operations, undertake commercial w orks etc.
(h) Customs personnel Customs officers, on behalf of Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India, process Bill of
Entry and Shipping Bill for import and export cargo, respectively. They also collect
Customs Duty on behalf of Govt. of India.
(i) Impor ters and Exporters Importers and Exporters visit port in connection with their business.
(j) Drivers and helpers of
trucks/trailers They drive truck or trailers carrying import or export cargo in or out of the Port.
(ii) Stakeholders responsible for providing service to the passengers
The roles of different stakeholders in this c ategory are enumerated below: -
Types of stakeholders associated with
handling of passengers Role
(a)Domestic and international passengers Passengers may be with or without disabilities. They require smooth
access to passenger terminal, immigration counter (if required), different
shops, cafeteria, customs counter, toilets (wash rooms), drinking water
facilities, staircases, parking, information counter, reception and vessel .
As the cruising is a leisure time activity, besides the persons with
disability, most of the persons using the ‘cruise travel’ are people in the
higher age -group and may have reduced mobility, vision hardship,
audibility hardship.
(b)Suppliers of materi als to passenger
ships/cruise vessels Suppliers of different kinds of supply material to passenger ships or
cruise vessels.
(c) Cab drivers Cabs are required to visit Port, to drop or pick up passengers.
(d) Travel agents They arrange tour and sight -seeing for mainly international passengers.
(e) Shops including duty free shops Personnel manning such shops are required to access different areas of
port in connection with their business.
(f) Persons visiting port to see off/receive
passengers The requ irement of persons visiting port to see off or receive passengers
is akin to that of the passengers.
(g) Operations staff These personnel are involved in various passenger service activities such
as reception, enquiry, ticketing, boarding , check -in,
(h) Luggage handling staff These handle luggage of passenger at port entrance, inside the terminal,
upto passenger vessel and on board the vessel.
(iii) Other stakeholders who are incidentally involved in providing services to the Passengers :-
The roles of such stak eholders are enumerated below: -
Types of stakeholders
not directly involved in
handling of cargo and/or
passengers
Role
(a) Port employees Port employees, though not directly involved in rendering passenger services,
coordinate and supervi se the work at Terminals.
(b) Contractors of
different departments
or divisions of port • Civil contractors engaged by ports and terminal operators undertake civil
construction and repair works in the port.
• Contractors engaged by Mechanical Engineering D epartment repair different
equipments.
• Electrical contractors maintain electrical installations within the port.
• Service providers for Information Technology visit ports in connection with
installation or repair or maintenance of software and hardwares.
• Personnel of facility management service providers, who sweep, clean office
premises, toilets etc. within docks.
(c) Personnel of security
agencies deployed in
port Different security agencies like CISF, State Security Board, Port’s own security
person nel (if any), Police, and private security guards are deployed in and around port
area to provide security cover.
(d) Hawkers/ cruise shop
owners, sales persons In some ports, hawkers’ licences are issued to hawkers and cruise shop owners. They
supply d ifferent merchandize to cruise passengers, crew members, and travellers at the
Terminals.
(e) Visitors Visitors come to meet and greet, see of, receive their relatives, friends at the terminals.
(g) Crew members of
entertainment
industries After obtaining permission, crew members of documentary/commercial films, TV
serial, etc., also visit port for shooting.
All the aforesaid stakeholders may have some persons, who are with disabilities / reduced mobility. At the
same time, there may be some pe rsons, especially, among passengers, who are elderly or persons who are vulnerable
due to varied reasons (Infants, new mothers, pregnant women, and victims of accidents, ill and infirm) and hence,
require assistance in movement. Besides this, as per the Ri ghts of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, Government
ports are mandated and Private employers are encouraged to appoint a certain number of employees (at present not
less than 4%), belonging to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, in the organisations. Thus, the ports and other
Private employers appoint persons with disabilities and hence while creating infrastructure accessibility standards
should be kept in view.
Against this backdrop, for the present, while framing Accessibility Standards for Ports, special care is to be
taken in respect of stakeholder in category (ii) and (iii) mentioned in Para 3.1 above, both in terms of Accessibility
Standards and their sensitization and training in dealing with the persons with disabilities.
Summary of recommen ded guidelines on stakeholders at Ports:
(i) Port provides interface between water transport and land transport, handle cargo and provide range of
services to passengers. Stakeholders in port, besides the passengers, are mainly responsible for cargo
handling a nd for providing services to the passengers themselves.
(ii) As the Government ports are mandated and Private employers are encouraged to appoint not less than
4% of the total number of vacancies with persons with benchmark disabilities, the stakeholders in the se
categories may have some persons with disabilities or reduced mobility besides among the passengers.
CHAPTER FOUR
TYPES OF STRUCTURES AT THE PORT TERMINALS, CRUISE AND PASSENGER TERMINALS
4.1 Types of Structures: From the point of view of Accessibili ty Standards, based on the nature and use of the
various buildings and structures in the Port, they can be broadly classified as follows;
➢ Godowns, Sheds, Warehouse, unaccompanied baggage centres.
The goods unloaded from the cargo ships are removed from the wharf and stacked temporarily in transit
sheds along the wharf. Similarly, the goods to be loaded on the ships are temporarily aggregated in cargo
sheds in transit. These sheds are at ground level with wide doors permitting movement of forklifts and other
heavy equipments required for cargo movement. They also have high ceiling enabling stacking of cargo one
above the other. As they are used for cargo storage, there are no structures, steps, level changes etc inside
these sheds. These sheds may have a cab in located in one corner for the Port staff with facility for drinking
water and toilets.
Godowns and warehouses as also unaccompanied baggage centres are more or less identical in structure to
cargo transit sheds, sometime multi -storeyed wherein long term storage of cargo is permitted. The
unaccompanied baggage centres also have the enclosure for custom officials with allied facilities.
These sheds, godowns, warehouses are mostly visited by cargo handling workers, equipment operators,
Stevedores, Custom House Agents, and delivery clerks, customs, security, personnel, etc.
➢ Govt./Semi Govt./ Public offices.
Port has official complex within and outside the dock premises. Offices inside and adjacent to dock premises
may include the places like labour booking centres, buildings for offices for staff involved in vessel
movements, cargo handlers, gear deployment units, crane and machinery operators and maintenance staff,
fire fighting staff, etc. Besides the Public Offices, the offices of Port allied agencies l ike Customs,
Immigration, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, etc., may also be located in the Port premises to
facilitate core cargo handling activities of the Port. Likewise, Port may also have offices of Custom House
Agents, Stevedores and Fr eight Forwarders inside the dock premises.
In consonance with Rule for 4% reservation in service for persons with disabilities, these offices need to
retrofit themselves to give easy access to persons with disabilities by creating facilities like railings, ramps,
lower work stations, suitable toilets, etc.
➢ Cruise Terminals, Passenger Terminal, Water Transport Terminals.
Cruise Terminals are the places in the Port, where the cruise ships arrive, stay and depart from. The berths in
the Ports where the cruise ships are berthed have the terminal building in the vicinity with facilities like
pathways and roads for arrival, parking, drop and pick up points, taxi stands, check in counters, baggage
screening, security checking, immigration and host of other facilit ies like curio shops, duty -free shops, Food
and Beverage, malls with commercial outlets, ATMs, money exchange counters, toilets and so on. These
terminals are connected to the ships with approach roads and gangways.
The Passenger Terminals, from where Pa ssenger boards the ferries, water taxi and other vessels with smaller
dimensions, have the facilities like ticket counters, security check points, shops selling eatables, waiting
area, drinking water facilities, toilets, parking , drop and pick up points and so on.
➢ Waiting halls, Restaurants or Eateries.
Waiting hall is usually a facility attached to the local Passenger Terminal along with restaurants, eateries,
food courts and supporting facilities like ample seatings, drinking water outlets and toilets.
➢ Heritage and Conservation Area.
Some of the Ports are historic in origin and have many places inside the premises depicting the episodes from
history of the city that has developed around the Port like Port of Kolkata, Port of Mumbai. These Ports may
develop facilities for heritage walk, museums, etc. within the premises.
➢ Scenic Value Areas.
As Ports are on the outskirts of the city along the coastline with shallow water, some areas in the Port may
see growth of mangroves, development of mud flats, that m ay attract migratory birds. Such areas are
frequented by the visitors, students, a nimal lovers and nature lovers.
4.2 Types of Barriers at Terminals :
The barriers at these structures in the Port may be in the form of physical barriers like stairs, or ste ps or a
barrier to a wheel chair user. Visual information can be a barrier for a person with vision impairment, announcement
made at the terminal can be a barrier for persons hard of hearing, and persons with intellectual disability. Poor
signage without internationally accepted pictograms can be a barrier for a person with intellectual disability. For
persons with disability or reduced mobility, the barriers in the structures at the Port especially on the Cruise
Terminals, Passenger Terminals, Harbours a nd Piers for transportation of passengers can be broadly classified into
four categories
(i) Physical barriers,
(ii) Barriers created by systems followed
(iii) Barriers in accessing information
(iv) Psychological barriers or Barriers caused by attitude of the staff at work.
The physical barriers can include Entrance design, transition area design, provision for level changes viz.
stairs/ ramps/ escalators/ elevators as per requirement and location, design of approach area to the facilities, narrow
doors, heavy doors, narrow gangways, inadequate lighting, inadequate signages, equipment necessary to improve
accessibility and usage of space, design of seating, its location with respect to the activity point etc.
Barriers in the systems can be like buying o f tickets for travel at the terminal and no facility for online
booking. Inaccurate, inconsistent and inaccessible information to all can create barriers in accessing information at the
terminals. Similarly, psychological barriers at these places can also lead to barriers in accessibility. To this extent, the
guidelines in the subsequent chapters focus on addressing the barriers at port and terminal facilities handling
passenger services as also at harbours, Piers and other places for getting on or off pa ssenger vessels.
4.3 Outdoor Indoor features: These buildings and structures need to provide for the following features of
Accessibility Standards –
Outdoor Features:
(i) Accessible route or approach;
(ii) Accessible Parking – Reserved parking near entra nce
(iii) Accessible entrance to buildings;
Indoor Features:
(i) Ramps or escalators or lifts
(ii) Accessible counters at reception;
(iii) Ticketing, issue of boarding passes
(iv) Accessible corridors and tactile flooring;
(v) Accessible lifts with brai lle; auditory commands;
(vi) Staircases with durable handrails;
(vii) Accessible toilets;
(viii) Accessible drinking water provision;
(ix) Auditory and visual signage.
The manner and extent of Accessibility Standards in these areas has been dealt with in Chapter 5 and 6 of these
Guidelines.
Summary of recommended guidelines on structures at port terminals :
(i) Ports have Godowns, Sheds, Warehouses, unaccompanied baggage centres which are mostly visited by cargo
handling workers, equipment operators, Steved ores, Custom House Agents, and delivery clerks, customs,
security personnel, etc.
(ii) Also, there are Government, Semi Government, Public offices, offices of Custom House Agents, Stevedores,
Freight Forwarders. These offices need to retrofit themselves to give easy access to persons with disabilities by
creating facilities like railings, ramps, lower work stations, suitable toilets, etc.
(iii) Besides this, there are Cruise Terminals, Passenger Terminal, Water Transport Terminals with facilities like
pathw ays and roads for arrival, parking, drop and pick up points, taxi stands, check in counters, baggage
screening, security checking, immigration and host of other facilities like curio shops, duty -free shops, Food
and Beverage, malls with commercial outlets, ATMs, money exchange counters, toilets and so on.
Additionally, there are waiting halls, Restaurants or Eateries Heritage and Conservation Area Scenic Value
Areas.
(iv) The barriers at these structures in the Port may be physical barriers, barriers creat ed by systems followed,
barriers in accessing information and psychological barriers . These buildings and structures need to provide
Accessible route or approach, Accessible Parking.
CHAPTER FIVE
UNIVERSAL DESIGN ELEMENT - ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS AT THE P ORT TERMINALS
5.1 Planning
From the beginning of the design process, the planning and designing of the structures and building used
for water transport terminals in the port and allied areas should consider following features.
(a) The walkways and foot paths s hould be accessible to Persons with disabilities. They should be
smooth, hard and have level surfaces suitable to walk and operate wheel chair. Gratings and manholes
should be avoided on the footpaths and walkways.
(b) The width, the length, the gradient, the rest areas provided adjacent to walkways, texture changes
should follow universal standards provided for easy accessibility.
(c) Passing over different level and grooves should be smooth and gratings should be flushed with
finished ground level and should be p erpendicular to direction of movement.
(d) To indicate correct path to persons with visual impairment, the tactile pavers having guiding (line
type) and warning blocks (dot type) in proper dimension shall be used, as shown in the pictures
below:
Warning b lock Guiding block
(source: Harmonised guidelines MoUD)
(e) The arrangement of the warning and guiding blocks in different intersections should be such that it
will make ease of accessibility to guiding path, footpath, building entrances etc.
(f) The routes s hould be free of barriers and hazards, obstacles should be avoided and located beyond the
walkways/ pathways. In unavoidable circumstances, protruding objects should contrast visually with
background and should provide wheelchair access. Proper hazard prot ection should be provided in the
form of kerb or other solid barrier so that it can be easily detected using a cane by visually impaired.
(g) Kerb ramps, walkways, parking areas, lighting and space allowances should conform to the standards
(refer Chapter 6) p rovided for ease of accessibility.
Layout of tactile pavers: guiding and
warning
(source: Harmonised guidelines
MoUD)
5.2 Surface
(a) The floor surfaces used should be firm, slip resistant, properly leveled and stable without any
unexpected variation s. Complex patterns should be avoided.
(b) Lines with brightly coloured tapes should be used to assist mobility of persons with low vision.
5.3 Approaches
(a) Approach areas, Boarding and alighting points at port buildings should comply with the
standards provide d in Chapter 6 of these guidelines for passengers having disabilities.
(b) Pedestrian surfaces, driveways, footpaths in these areas should be leveled.
(c) The access aisles, kerb ramps, tactile floor, identification signages should be provided at
approaches and a ccesses to the buildings and structures.
5.4 Corridors and routes.
(a) Width, resting areas, seats, lighting, floor surfaces, etc in the building corridors and routes should
confirm with the Accessibility Standards.
(b) Openings of doors and tactile guidance path in i nternal corridors should adhere to accessibility
standards (refer: Harmonised guidelines and space standards for barrier free built environment for
persons with disability and elderly persons, Ministry of Urban Development, February, 2016).
5.5 Doors and w indows
(a) Doors should be leveled
(b) Provision of auxiliary doors should be near turnstiles, revolving doors.
(c) Space provision near swing doors of bathroom should be appropriate
(d) All doors including sliding doors, swing doors, automatic doors and double leaf doors should be
easy to operate
(e) Door opening width, wheelchair maneuvering space, door hardware, handles, period of door
closure of automatic door, vision panels on swing doors, kick plates, door identification color
contrast on frames, marking on glass doors s hould be in conformity to the accessibility standards.
(f) Handles or controls provided for windows, curtain, venetian blind controls should be as per
standards and easily accessible.
Recommended visibility zone: a height
of 800 mm to 1500 mm
(source: Harmo nised guidelines MoUD)
5.6 Hand rails or grab bars
(a) Hand rails and grab bars should be easy to grasp and comfortable to grip, provided with braille
marking, slip resistant, have continuous gripping surface, contrasting with wall surfaces,
adequately f ixed to absorb considerable pressure, free from abrasive materials. The ends of
handrail shall be curved and inverted to ensure safety. It shall extend 300 mm beyond the edge of
the landing.
(b) Handrail shall be provided at two levels, 750 mm and 900 mm for p eople of different sizes and
abilities.
(c) Width of the ramp shall not be less than 1500 mm to accommodate a person on a wheelchair and
an accompanying person together. Desirably it should be 1800 mm with buffer space on either
side.
(d) Surface shall be skid res istant.
(e) Balustrades shall not be spaced at a distance more than 75 mm.
Handrails for ramps (source: Accessibility Sta ndards and
Guidelines for Civil Aviation - April 2022)
5.7 Controls and operating mechanism
(a) Provision of clear and level floor space at con trols and operating mechanism, knee clearance space for
wheel chair users is necessary for accessibility.
(b) The operable part and controls of certain machines, electrical switches, antenna, telephone buttons, wall
sockets, should be located at clear floor sp ace, easy to grasp, grip and use by persons with disabilities.
(c) Faucets or taps should be operable by one hand, no tight grasping or pitching, having lever type easily
operational handles.
Location of electrical sockets, control, etc
(source: Harmoni sed guidelines MoUD)
5.8 Other facilities
(a) Seating spaces should have clear and level floor spaces, clear knee spaces.
(b) Counters and their tops should be as per specifications.
(c) Make battery operated wheel chairs available for usage. These will be safer while climbing through
ramps.
(d) Drinking water facility, telephone counters or booths, parking areas, level changes, ATM machines,
mail boxes, drop boxes, toilets should have clear space, appropriate marking, knee space,
maneuvering space, signages, height, width , etc., in compliance to accessibility standards and
specifications.
(e) Accessible drinking water fountain
Clear floor space for freestanding or built-in drinking water unit not having clear space under the unit
1200 Min
1200 Min.
900 Min.
Wall -mounted drinking water unit details
(source: Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Civil Aviation - April 2022)
Summary of recommended guidelines on Universal design elements:
From the beginning of the design process, the planning and designing of the structures and building in port
areas should consider the walkways, foot paths, Kerb ramps, parking areas, lighting and space allowances for ease of
accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The surfaces, approaches, corridors, routes, doors, wi ndows, hand grabs, controls, operating mechanism and
other facilities should be compliant with Accessibility standards.
CHAPTER SIX
PORT SPECIFIC DESIGN ELEMENTS
AT THE PORT, CRUISE, PASSENGER TERMINALS
6.1 Transport and roads within the port areas and facilities
All footpaths, kerbs, ramps, road intersections, medians, traffic signals, subways, foot over bridges,
public transport facilities, water transport crafts, etc. constructed and operated in port sector should
adhere to Harmonized guidelines for P ersons with disability and reduced mobility published by Ministry
of Urban Development and made accessible to all users of port facilities including Persons with
disabilities.
6.2 Alighting and Boarding areas
6.2.1 Car Parks:
Signage, symbols, entrances, exit points, locations of car parking areas in port premises and allied
facilities should adhere to Accessibility guidelines of standards given below and more specifically
mentioned in Harmonized guidelines for Persons with disability and reduced mobility publi shed by
Ministry of Urban Development. The guidelines for parking areas are as under:
(i) There should be accessibility to parking facilities
(ii) Sufficient parking spaces should be available with an area of 5m X 3.6 m for one parking
space designated for a disabl ed person vehicle. This includes stall for vehicle as 5 m x 2.4 m
and side aisle (5 m x 1.2 m ) for boarding / alighting from the vehicle. This shall connect to
the kerb side through proper design of a ramp with slope not more than 1 in 15.
(iii) Designated park ing spaces should be marked by the international symbol of accessibility.
(iv) Designated parking spaces should not be misused.
(v) If the drop -off area has a kerb, there should be kerb ramp leading to the pathway The drop -
off area should be marked by signage.
900 Min 400-450
Key
5 Spout
6 Equipment permitted in shaded area 200 Min 150 Max
All dimen sions in millimetres. 610 Max
430-480
1200 Min
300 Min
700 Min
800-900
(vi) Ther e should be an accessible path of travel from the drop -off area to the main entrance.
(Source : IPA’s draft report)
Example of parking symbol on floor, transfer bay marking and kerb ramp
(source: Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Civil Aviation - April 2022)
6.2.2 Taxi or Auto rickshaw stands or bus stops:
Signage, symbols, entrances, exit points, locations of taxi/ rickshaw stands and bus stops in port premises and allied
facilities should adhere to Harmonized guidelines for Persons with disab ility and reduced mobility published by
Ministry of Urban Development and made accessible to all users of port facilities including Persons with disabilities.
Example of an accessible approach with ramp and stairs connecting the drop off zone to entry gate
(source: Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Civil Aviation - April 2022)
6.3 Piers, Jetties, Cruise Terminals
All forms of water transport and port (cruise) terminals should be accessible to people with disabilities and reduced
mobility. Guidelines for designing accessible piers and jetties are similar to the ones for railway stations except for
the platform.
(i) Ferries should be fitted with accessible ramps;
(ii) Within a cabin, space should be set aside for securing a wheelchair in a position f or comfortable
integration with other passengers;
(iii) Piers, terminals should be fully accessible and have simple boarding and disembarkation procedures;
(iv) All the facilities in the cruise terminal building such as waiting or rest rooms, toilets, corridors, tic ket
counters, shops, libraries etc. should be compliant with accessibility guidelines in Paras 6.4 to 6.9 below.
6.4 Signage:
Signs are imperative for people to get information on the surrounding that they are not familiar with, like Port
areas, which can inform them of a route, a hazard, or a facility. Signs allow the Port facility user to identify the
environment they are in. In addition to this, Signage is also important for the aesthetics and first impression of a
structure and therefore, must be clear, concise and consistent.
(i) The location of signs should be realized during the planning stages of the Port Structure and allied areas.
(ii) It must be easy to understand even to common layman including Persons with Disabilities.
(iii) The Signage provided at a locati on should be Universal in nature, understandable by people of all ethnicities
and cultures and languages. This can be achieved through use of pictograms that effectively depict the
message that is to be conveyed.
(source: Harmonised
guidelines Mo UD)
6.4.1 The layout of Signages should maintain a clear sense of direction and purpose and be well sequenced to
enable users to process the information correctly. Information should be provided at key junctions and
destinations. Use of Audio as well as Video information along with pictograms should be incorporated (e.g.
signs, notice boards, public address and security systems, induction loops, telephones, and infrared devices,
signs with embossed lettering or Braille).
(i) The signs should be clear, simple and easy to read
(ii) The colour of signs should be clearly distinguishable
(iii) The surface of the sign should be processed so as to prevent glare
Few parameters that should be kept in mind to design Signages are as under:
(a) The location, accessibility, layout and h eight of signs;
(b) the size of lettering, symbols and their reading distances;
(c) the use of tactile letters and symbols;
(d) visual contrast and lighting;
(e) the finished surfaces of materials used for signs and symbols;
(f) the simultaneous use of audible cues;
(g) Integrati on with any other communication systems.
6.4.2 Signage provisions
Signs to facilities for Persons with Disabilities should incorporate the International Symbols for
Accessibility.
Universally recognized symbols/pictograms should be used to replace text, wh erever possible. Other
symbols should supplement text, but should not be used in isolation.
6.4.3 Types of Signages
(a) Directional
Usages of wall mounted and/or overhead signs should include directional arrows to direct users to
specific areas of the port, and the facilities available therein.
(b) Information
Inform users about the features and facilities of the location and the surrounding areas, which include
directions, maps, identification signs, notices etc.
(source: Dictionary on disability, Ministr y of Social Justice and Empowerment)
(c) Identification
To help users identify the entrances, addresses, rooms, buildings, facilities etc.
(d) Instructive
To provide instruction to the user to follow a procedure to operate a device.
(e) Health and Safety
To inform users on lifesaving directives and/ or mandatory rules that are to be followed
6.4.4 Location:
Sites for signages should be identified appropriately to enable effective dissemination of information and should cover
all Port/ public buildings, spaces, and facilities including
(a) Approach to building or facility or service
(b) Building or Gate Entrance or exit
(c) Main lobby or reception
(d) Public facilities such as cruise terminals, library, toilets etc.
(e) Departments and offices
(f) Fire exits
(g) Parking and garages
6.4.5 Universal Signage
Signage used should be universally acceptable.
Few key aspects while designing signages are as under:
(a) Colour contrast Signs
(b) Character, Content and Layout
(c) Pictograms and accessibility symbols
(d) Positioning
(e) Viewing Di stance
(f) Lighting (measured in lux)
(g) Material and surface finish
Detailed information on incorporation of Universal features while designing such signs can be explored in Chapter 6.4
of Harmonized standards by Ministry of Urban Development
6.5 Level Changes
Amenities like Kerbs, Gradients, Flared Sides, Ramps, Handrails allow persons with disabilities to move from
one level to another without much difficultly. Where there is a high elevation change that requires multiple
ramps and landing combination, other s olutions such as elevators should be considered.
Universal Standards and Specifications are as under:
6.5.1 Main Entrances
(a) Ramps shall be provided with handrails at the entrance and stairs shall be provided, if
necessary.
(b) There should be a clear door width of a bsolute minimum 1000 mm and desirable 1200 mm.
(c) The entrance door operations should be easy enough to handle independently. It is better to
provide sliding doors operated automatically (sensor based) rather than doors openable by
pushing, at the entrance, a t least.
(d) The door handle should be at a height between 800 mm and 1000 mm
(e) The entrance should have accessibility to an elevator
(f) The landing surface should not be slippery.
6.5.2 Kerbs and Kerb Ramps
(a) Kerb and Kerb ramps shall be provided where the vertical rise is less than 150 mm
(b) Width of the ramp area should be absolute minimum 1200 mm, minimum 1500 mm and
desirable 1800 mm and gradient should be desirably 1 in 15 and limited to or should not be
steeper than 1 in 12.
(c) It should have a slip -resistant surfac e.
(d) It should not project into the road surface.
(e) It should be located or protected to prevent obstruction by parked vehicles.
(f) It should be free from any obstruction such as signposts, traffic lights, etc.
(g) It should not be used if they project in.
(h) It should be designed not to allow water accumulating on the walking surface.
(i) At the connectivity of ramp with kerb flat section at the back the width available shall be at
least 1200 mm.
Types of kerb ramps
(Source: Accessibility Standards and Guideline s for Civil Aviation - April 2022)
6.5.3 Ramps
(a) The location of the ramps should be clearly identifiable.
(b) The ramp gradient should not be steeper than 1:12.
(c) There should be a landing of at least 1500 mm X 1500 mm provided at a vertical rise of 750
mm as mini mum and maximum as 1200 mm.
(d) There should be a landing wherever there is a change in direction. Ramps shall not have a
direction change of 180 degrees at its end.
(e) There should be a landing at the top and bottom of every ramp.
(f) Minimum width of the ramp shoul d be 1500 mm.
(g) A ramp run with a vertical rise greater than 150 mm should have handrails.
(h) Continuous handrails should be provided on both sides, at two levels i.e. at a height of 750
mm and 900 mm.
(i) The surface of the ramp should be non -slippery.
(j) There shoul d be rail/protection on both sides of the ramp.
6.5.4 Stairs
(a) The minimum width of the stairs should be 1200 mm, desirably 1800 mm.
(b) There should be continuous handrails, on both sides, at two levels i.e. at a height of 750 mm
and 900 mm.
(c) If the width of the stair is more than 3m, handrails should also be installed in the centre of
the stair width.
(d) The landing space should not be less than 1200 mm.
(e) The step edges should be of a different colour or texture to be easily identifiable by low -
vision a nd vision impaired persons.
(f) There should be warning blocks installed at the beginning and end of all flights.
(g) The height of the risers should be between 150 mm - 200 mm and tread should be between
250 mm - 300 mm.
(h) Treads should have a non -slip surface.
(i) The risers should not have open gaps.
(j) Projecting nosing and open stairs should not be provided to minimize the risk of stumbling.
Also, spiral stairs should be avoided.
Handrails for steps and stairs
(Source: Accessibility Standards and Gui delines for Civil Aviation - April 2022)
Staircase detail
(Source: Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Civil Aviation - April 2022)
6.5.5 Handrails :
(a) Size- If it has a rounded section then it shall be 50 mm in diameter and if it is a rectangular
section than it shall be 50 mm wide and 38 mm deep.
(b) Handrails should be mounted at a height at two levels, i.e., at a height 750 mm and 900 mm.
(c) Handrails should be easy to grip.
(d) Handrails should be securely attached.
(e) Handrails should be extended horizontally 300 mm at the top and bottom of every staircase
or ramp.
(f) The ending of the handrails should be grouted in the ground or turn downward.
(g) The space between the handrails and the wall should not be less than 50 mm.
(h) The handrails should be painted in contrast colours to be easily identifiable.
(i) There should be tactile strip or Braille plates identifications on the handrails for emergency
stairs.
6.5.6 Lifts:
(a) Lifts provided in a building and used by the general public or staff should be accessible to
and usable by Persons with Disabilities at all levels.
(b) Lifts should be marked with the symbol of accessibility and directional signs be provided to
the lifts.
(c) Signs indicating the location of an accessible lift should be provided in a location that is
clearly visibl e from the building entrance. The sign should incorporate a representation of
the International Symbol for Access.
(d) A sign indicating the number of the floor should be provided on each lift landing on the wall
opposite the lift. It is also recommended to in stall a floor directory of the main facilities and
services available on the lift landing, along with an accessible emergency egress route that
clearly indicates the location of nearest refuge areas for Persons with Disabilities.
(e) Minimum size of the lift s hould be 1500 mm wide by 1500mm deep; wherever possible, 13
passenger lift to be provided, which allows easy maneuverability for wheelchair user.
(f) The lift door should have a clear opening of minimum 1200 mm width.
(g) Time of closing of an automatic door shou ld be more than 5 seconds and the closing speed
should not exceed 0.25 meters per second
(h) The call button located outside the lift should have a clear floor space of at least 1200 mm x
1200 mm with no obstruction placed to prevent a wheelchair user from re aching the call
button; and be installed at a height between 800 mm and 1000 mm.
(i) The control panel should have a clear floor space of at least 900 mm x 1200 mm with no
obstruction placed to prevent a wheelchair user from reaching it, be placed at a height of
between 800 mm and 1000 mm from the floor level; and have buttons with Braille or raised
letters and in sharp contrast from the background to aid people with visual impairments.
(j) Handrails shall be provided inside the lift all along its sides.
(k) It is bett er to have glass panel in the door of the lift.
(l) For further details with regard to the design of the lift, para 7 of Harmonized Guidelines
(Ministry) may be referred.
(Source : Dictionary on accessibility, Ministry of Social Justice and Emp owerment)
6.6 Shower, washing facilities and Toilets.
Signage at accessible toilet entrance should be clearly visible and should comply with the International Symbol
of Accessibility.
(a) There should be sufficient space of 2m X 2.2 m inside the toilets to m anoeuvre a
wheelchair.
(b) Water closet (WC) and bidets should be mounted at a height between 450 mm — 480 mm.
(c) The space between the WC and the closest adjacent wall should be fitted with a grab bar at a
height of 450 mm — 500 mm.
(d) There should be an accessible washbasin mounted at a height between 750 mm — 850 mm.
(e) The lower edge of the mirror should not exceed 1 m from the ground.
(f) The accessible showers should be provided with a folding seat.
(g) There should be grab bars installed near Water Closet and showers at a height 750 mm —
850 mm.
(h) Grab bar diameter should be 38 mm.
(i) Wall mounted grab bars should have a minimum knuckle space 50 mm.
(j) The grab bar should be non -slippery.
(k) The grab bars should withstand the load of at least 200 kg.
(l) The toilet door should be either an outward opening door or two -way opening door or a
sliding type and should provide a clear opening width of at least 1200 mm, with a horizontal
pull-bar, at least 600 mm long, on the inside of the door, located so that it is 130 mm from
the hinged side of the door and at a height of 1000 mm.
(m) The faucets should be easy to grip and operate with one hand.
(n) Shower cubicles should have minimum interior dimensions of 2000 mm x 2200 mm.
(o) Where the shower head is mounted on a vertical bar, the bar should be instal led so as not to
obstruct the use of grab bars.
(p) Enclosures for the shower cubicle should not obstruct transfer from wheelchair onto shower
seat.
(q) Shower seat - A wall mounted shower seat, preferably fold up kind should be self -draining,
non-slip and with ro unded edge.
(r) The shower fixtures should have at least 1500 mm long hoses.
(s) Hot water pipes should be insulated or covered.
(t) Toilets should be equipped with an emergency alarm system.
(u) Doors should be lockable from inside and should be releasable from outside u nder
emergency situations.
(v) Flushing arrangements, dispensers and toilet paper should be mounted at a height between
300 mm and 800 mm.
(w) Flushing equipment should be easily operable.
(x) The floor material should be skid proof, well drained and waterproof.
(y) Pivot ed doors should open outwards.
(z) An emergency alarm cum call switch should be provided within easy reach on the wall near
water closet at two levels: at 300mm and 900mm from the floor level to allow user to call
for help in case of an emergency.
(za) Accesso ries should be placed in close proximity to the basin, to avoid a person with wet
hands wheeling a chair.
(zb) Urinals shall be stall -type or wall -hung, with an elongated rim at a maximum of 430 mm
above the finish floor.
(zc) The front bar is to provide chest support; the sidebars are for the user to hold on to while
standing.
(zd) At least one of the urinals in the Gents toilets on each floor should have grab bars.
(ze) A clear floor space of 760mm by 1220 mm should be provided in front of urinals to all ow
forward approach
(zf) Flush controls be located not more than 1200 mm from the floor.
(zg) A tactile layout of the toilet should be provided on the wall, near the latch side at 900mm
height.
6.7 Canteen or Eating outlets:
6.7.1 The cantee ns or eating outlets in the port building and facilities should be accessible to persons with
disabilities
(a) There should be a pathway of at least 1200 mm wide to allow a wheel chair user to move
around the eating outlet.
(b) The cash and service counter height should be at a height below 800 mm The table should be
accessible with a height of 750 mm to 850 mm and knee space of 750 mm wide and 480 mm
deep.
(c) The tables with fixed stools should have accessible spaces for wheel chairs.
(d) There should be an accessible wa shbasin mounted a height between 750 mm — 850 mm.
(e) There should be sufficient space of 2m X 2.2 m near the wash basin to manoeuvre a
wheelchair.
(Source : IPA’s draft report)
6.8 Drinking Water:
(a) The drinking water must be accessible.
(b) The tap/filter shou ld be easily usable by a person with poor hand function.
(c) There should be a pathway of at least 1200 mm wide to allow a wheel chair user to move
around.
(d) There should be an accessible washbasin mounted a height between 750 mm — 850 mm.
(e) There should be suffic ient space of 2m X 2.2 m near the drinking water unit to manoeuvre a
wheelchair.
(f) The area should be dry.
(g) Clean glasses should be available.
(Source : IPA’s draft report)
Clear floor space for freestanding or built-in drinking water unit not having clear space under the unit
Wall -mounted drinking water unit details
(source: Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Civil Aviation - April 2022)
6.9 Resting facilities:
(a) In the case of long walkways, there should be re sting facilities provided at every 30 meters
interval.
(b) There should be designated spaces for seating of persons with disability near to the activity
point. There should be an adjoining vacant space for a wheelchair next to benches and
public seats, so that it does not obstruct the pathways as well as becomes convenient to the
persons with disabilities and their accompanies.
(c) The public seats should have a height of 450 mm.
(Source : IPA’s draft report)
6.10 Facilities provided at International or Domestic Cruise terminal shall be made accessible for persons with
disabilities as under:
6.10.1 Baggage scanning and Check in counters:
(a) At least one check -in and baggage scanning counter accessible by wheel chair should be
provided. The height of the counter sha ll be 750 mm to 850 mm and knee space of 750 mm
wide and 480 mm deep.
1200 Min
1200 Min.
900 Min 400-450
Key
3 Spout
4 Equipment permitted in shaded area 200 Min 150 Max
All dimensions in millimetres. 610 Max
430-480
1200 Min
900 Min.
300 Min
700 Min
800-900
(b) It should be marked for priority treatment to people with persons with disabilities.
(c) Unobstructed space of 1200 mm X 1200 mm should be provided before check in counter.
(d) Warning tiles sho uld be provided in front of the check -in counters which are connected to
the accessible route tactile flooring.
(e) International Symbol of Accessibility of 450mm x 450mm, as shown below, should be
displayed on the accessible counters.
(f) The staff deputed sha ll be skilled in conversing and understanding requirements of the
persons with disabilities.
6.10.2 Immigration:
(a) At least one immigration counter, giving priority treatment to persons with disabilities, should be
made accessible for wheelchair and marked for priority treatment.
(b) The route to the counter shall be accessible and marked (continuous line in yellow colour and
use of tactile tiles), with dedicated path free of side obstructions (path demarcation tapes).
(c) Counter arrangement shall be same as check -in counter.
6.10.3 Security check:
(a) Separate lane is suggested for the persons with disability, especially on the wheelchair.
(b) This lane should be provided with frisking cubicle of standard size (minimum 1500mm x
1500mm for wheelchair turning) and with the Door Frame Metal Detector panel of 1000 mm
1200 mm width.
6.10.4 Pathway from check in point to gangway of ship/ vessel:
(a) The pathway from check in point to gangway of the ship to be used by public should be
unobstructed with width of 2200mm to be mainta ined.
(b) Tactile guidance path (refer chapter 4) should be provided for ease of accessibility to persons
with disabilities.
(c) Corridors should be well lit, provided with directional signages like directional arrows to direct
users to specific areas of the port, and the facilities available therein and information signages to
inform users about the features and facilities of the location and the surrounding areas, which
include directions, maps, identification signs, notices etc and provided with accessible grabs ,
hand rails wherever possible.
(d) The surfaces should be even and kerb ramps should be provided, where the vertical rise is less
than 150 mm . The w idth of the ramp area should be absolute minimum 1200 mm, minimum
1500 mm and desirable 1800 mm and gradient sh ould be desirably 1 in 15 and limited to /
should not be steeper than 1 in 12. Kerb ramps should have a slip -resistant surface.
(e) For persons with visual impairment, red strips to be provided along tactile path in the corridor.
(f) There shall be adequate seatin g provided along the pathway at spacings at every 50 m.
6.10.5 Gangway for access to vessel from port side:
a) The gangway for access to vessel from port side shall be easily accessible by persons with
disabilities.
b) Ramps should be protected on both sides o f the gangway. Slope of the ramp shall not be more
than 1 in 12. If there is an issue maintaining the slope, then alternate arrangement shall be made
to move persons with disabilities.
c) Accessible ramps should be provided for boarding and disembarkation fr om the vessel.
6.11 Onboard the Ship / Vessel
6.11.1 The Cruise/ Passenger ships have many infrastructure facilities such as Cabins, Cafeteria, passages, rest
areas, leisure areas, auditorium, level changes such as stairs, lifts, etc., toilet, water close t etc which are utilised by all
the passengers including persons with disabilities. These facilities should be made accessible for Persons with
disabilities adhering to norms as under:
(a) Ramps for ease of movement from shore to ship and from ship to shore f or the persons with disabilities
and reduced mobility.
(b) Signages should be provided as per specifications mentioned at Para 6.4 above.
(c) Level changes such as lift, stairs, kerbs, ramps should be as per Para 6.5 above.
(d) Handrails should be provided at these level changes as at Para 6.5.5 above.
(e) Few Cabins, in proportion to the market demand, should be provided for persons with disabilities
for easy accessibility. Within a cabin, space should be set aside for securing a wheelchair in a
position.
(f) Few unisex toilets with bathing facilities, in proper ratio of passenger capacity of the ship, should
be provided with easy accessibility to the persons with disabilities as provided in Para 6.6 above.
(g) Cafeteria, restaurant should be accessible for persons with disa bilities as at Para 6.7 (provided for
canteen/ eating outlets facilities).
(h) Drinking water, resting facilities should be as at Para 6.8 and 6.9 respectively.
(i) Auditorium/ theatres should be made accessible to persons with disabilities by providing kerbs,
ramps, handrails, etc. at proper positions. Special seating arrangement should be made for such
persons.
6.11.2 The Ship operators of small ferry ships should provide following :
(a) The Ferries should be fitted with accessible ramps.
(b) Space should be set aside for sec uring a wheelchair in a position / or lock it in fixed position.
(c) Wheelchair should be made available on call.
(d) Electric wheelchairs shall be provided, wherever possible, which will be safer while climbing up
or moving down on a ramp.
The aforesaid specifica tions are provided considering the space availability. However, considering
the space constraints on board the ship/ vessel, proper alternatives can be used for above such as use of
foldable wheelc hair, movable ramps, etc.
The cruise ships deployed on dome stic circuits are mostly the old passenger ships bought in the
second hand international markets and refurbished to Indian standards before its registration with the
competent authority under Indian Statutes for domestic operations. The authorities respons ible for registration
of such ships may ensure as a precondition that such ships comply with above accessibility standards at t he
time of their refurbishment.
At many places smaller passenger boats of capacity varying from 40 to 150 are used for short
distance water transportation of passengers. These smaller passenger boats plying short distances within the
harbor are licensed either by the port authorities or by the state maritime board. The licensing authorities can
make suitable provisions in their proc edures for licensing these boats to ensure that some percentage of the
seating capacity of these boats are equipped to meet the requirements of passengers with disability and
reduced mobility. Likewise, the infrastructure facility in the harbour from where these smaller passenger boats
operate also need to be provided with facilities meeting accessibility standards such as ramps along the steps,
handrails, etc. Also, the staff employed by the small passenger boat operators need to be sensitized to facilitat e
accessibility to this mode of water transportation to the passengers with disability.
Summary of recommended guidelines on Port specific design elements:
The facilities provided in the port premises and building structures should be considering ease of
Accessibility for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.
The transport roads within the port areas and facilities, alighting and boarding areas, Car Parks, Taxi / Auto
rickshaw stands / bus stops, Piers, Jetties, Cruise Terminals, Cruise/ Passenge r Ships/ vessels should have following
facilities in compliance with the Accessibility standards:
(i) Signages at proper location, easy to understand, universal in nature, understandable by
people of all ethnicities and cultures and languages, through use of p ictograms.
(ii) Level changes and Handrails provided at Internati onal / Domestic Cruise terminal, On board
the Ship / Vessel should be as per the accessibility standards.
References
1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
2. Harmonized guidelines and sp ace standards for barrier free built environment for persons with disability and
elderly persons, Ministry of Urban Development, February 2016.
3. Demystifying accessibility in built infrastructure (Dictionary on accessibility), Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment, February 2021.
4. Classification of buildings , cpwd.gov.in website
5. Indoor and outdoor features, website: disabilityaffairs.gov.in
6. Draft report on accessibility standards for persons with disabilities, prepared by IPA, 2019
7. Guidelines for access ible maritime passenger transport, NDA.
8. https://journalsofindia.com/sagarika -cruise -terminal -at-cochin -port
9. Accessibility Standards and Guidelines for Civil Aviation - 2022
10. Domain Expert from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH, Jt. Secy.
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