Miracle on Wheels: How Bengaluru Airport's New Tech Ends Airport Ordeals for the Disabled

Launch Details

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, unveiled Mobility Assist, a groundbreaking mechanical system that allows passengers with reduced mobility—including those using wheelchairs, children, and elderly travelers—to board and deboard aircraft directly from their seats without manual lifting. Donated by Dr. BS Ajaikumar of Healthcare Global Enterprises (HCG) in tribute to his son Adarsh, who faced travel hardships due to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the system minimizes physical strain on passengers and staff while reducing injury risks. Available on request via airlines, it supports end-to-end intra-terminal movement for a dignified experience.​

Hari Marar, MD & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), hailed it as a leap toward equitable travel, complementing BLR's existing initiatives like sensory rooms and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Programme. As India's first ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Level 3 airport, BLR continues leading inclusive aviation.​

Key Highlights

Innovative Tech: Direct wheelchair-to-seat transfer for boarding/deplaning, eliminating manual handling.​

Personal Tribute: Donated by Dr. BS Ajaikumar honoring son Adarsh's legacy of turning challenges into solutions.​

Availability: On-demand via airline coordination; covers boarding, deplaning, and terminal navigation.​

Safety Focus: Reduces staff/passenger injury risks and emotional discomfort during transfers.​

Broader Ecosystem: Builds on BLR's Level 3 accessibility accreditation, sensory rooms, and sunflower lanyards.​

National Impact: Positions BLR as model for pan-India adoption in passenger care.​

Sources: Moneycontrol (December 4, 2025); BLR Airport official announcements.​