A few weeks ago, I witnessed a heartfelt moment that has compelled me to take action. I watched a blind man at a Delhi Metro counter, fumbling desperately to figure out which note he was holding out. The line behind him grew impatient, and yet, no one stepped in to help. He wasn't seeking charity. He was simply trying to get from one place to another, like everyone else in that line. For him, however, this simple act of paying a fare had become a small daily humiliation.

This incident reminded me of the existing public transportation policy for people with disabilities. In Delhi, persons with disabilities are entitled to free bus travel, an essential service that recognises their unique challenges. Delhi Metro is often the safer, faster, and more accessible mode of travel for wheelchair users, the visually impaired, and others with mobility or sensory disabilities, yet it is also the one mode where they still pay full fare. Indian Railways already issues disability concession cards offering fare reductions of up to 75% on long-distance trains. Delhi's own buses are fully free. The Metro is the missing piece.

According to the last Census, Delhi is home to over 2.3 lakh persons with disabilities, about 1.4% of the National Capital Territory's population. That figure is from 2011, and lawmakers have since flagged concerns that it likely understates the real number today, given how outdated the data now is. Even by conservative, decade-old counts, that's a population larger than many Indian towns — all navigating one of the world's busiest metro systems without a single rupee of fare relief that their fellow disabled citizens already receive on Delhi's buses. This isn't a fringe ask affecting a handful of people. It's a structural gap in one of Delhi's most-used public services, affecting a population the size of a small city.

 The exclusion of a free fare option on the Metro unnecessarily complicates the lives of those who already face significant daily obstacles.

The Delhi Metro serves millions of commuters daily. For people with disabilities, a free Metro pass could mean greater independence and the opportunity to live more freely and with dignity. The public bus system is crucial, but it doesn't serve every location. Many areas are accessible primarily by Metro, making it an essential part of daily travel in Delhi.

We are asking DMRC, the Fare Fixation Committee, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to:

1. Extend the existing disability fare-free travel policy (already in force on DTC/cluster buses) to the Delhi Metro.
2. Issue a dedicated disability travel pass for the Metro, mirroring the Divyangjan bus pass already issued by DTC, verified through a disability certificate or UDID card. In the interim  while the pass system is being rolled out — no person with a visible or declared disability should be denied free access at the gate simply for lacking the physical card yet. 
3. Set a public timeline for implementation, making this issue urgent not optional. 

There are already precedents for such policies. Several cities around the world, including those in Europe and North America, offer free or heavily discounted transit passes for persons with disabilities. These measures acknowledge mobility limitations and enhance accessibility for everyone.

Why is this important ? 

1. Financial independence, not dependency:  a fare-free Metro means not having to ask family for money just to leave the house, which matters for dignity as much as it does for the wallet.
2. Disability already comes with a higher cost of living : assistive devices, medical care, and support needs add up: transport shouldn't be one more line item stacked on top.
3. Inclusion isn't a burden on society:  it strengthens it. A more accessible Metro means more riders, more ridership revenue elsewhere, and a system that actually works for everyone, not just the able-bodied majority.
4. It enables participation, not dependency. Free access to transport is what lets someone hold a job, attend college, or see a doctor on their own terms  without it, disabled riders are pushed toward relying on others just to function day to day, which is the opposite of the independence this policy should be building.

I urge the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and the Delhi government to implement free Metro travel for persons with disabilities, thus aligning their policies with the existing bus travel norms. The change would not only improve access but also significantly enhance the quality of life for so many Delhiites.

Join me in advocating for this cause and help us make this simple, yet powerful change. Please sign this petition and let your support propel us towards a more inclusive and compassionate Delhi.