Prayagraj: Sangam city is set to receive a major boost in inclusive sports infrastructure as 2 of its largest sporting facilities — Madan Mohan Malaviya Stadium and the Amitabh Bachchan Sports Complex — are being upgraded to become fully accessible for differently-abled athletes.Under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign), launched by the department of empowerment of persons with disabilities to create a barrier-free environment for divyangjans, over Rs 4.1 crore was approved for the project. Of this, over Rs 1.98 crore was allocated for Madan Mohan Malaviya Stadium and Rs 2.14 crore for the Amitabh Bachchan Sports Complex, district officials said.The Uttar Pradesh Rajya Nirman Sahkari Sangh Ltd (Rajkiya Nirman Agency) was entrusted with the execution of the project.District differently-abled empowerment officer Ashok Kumar Gautam said the proposed upgrades include the construction of wheelchair-accessible ramps, installation of tactile tiles for the visually impaired, stainless steel railings, removal of physical barriers, specially designed toilets, lifts and audio-visual signage across both facilities.Once completed, the upgraded sports complexes are expected to significantly improve accessibility and participation opportunities for differently-abled athletes in the region. Officials noted that the initiative aligns with the broader objective of developing inclusive infrastructure and could help position Prayagraj as a more accessible sports hub in eastern Uttar Pradesh.Officials further said the initiative is in line with the govt’s mission to empower divyangjans and promote self-reliance.In keeping with the vision of a ‘Sugamya Bharat’ (Accessible India), several initiatives were launched across Uttar Pradesh to strengthen inclusivity in digital, educational, physical, and administrative infrastructure. As part of these efforts, the IT and electronics department was directed to make all govt websites accessible for divyangjans, with 44 official websites redesigned so far to meet prescribed accessibility standards.Additionally, a detailed survey of differently-abled children was mandated during the school-merging process to ensure alternative arrangements for uninterrupted access to education. Ramps were also constructed in many primary schools, making campuses wheelchair-friendly and improving mobility for children with special needs.The govt further directed all universities in the state to adopt inclusive practices.Dr Shakuntala Mishra Rehabilitation University in Lucknow and Jagadguru Shri Ram Bhadracharya Divyang University in Chitrakoot were identified as model institutions for inclusive infrastructure and practices, officials added.
