Visakhapatnam is set to become the birthplace of a major national initiative to promote accessible infrastructure across India. The Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) recently hosted a key national consultation to develop the Purple Building Certification Scheme—the country’s first structured framework to evaluate and certify buildings for accessibility.
Held on June 11–12 at the AMTZ campus, the consultation brought together over 50 experts from across the country, including specialists in accessibility, disability rights, architecture, and urban development. Their objective: to finalize the standards and structure of a voluntary certification system that ensures buildings meet the needs of people with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and others requiring mobility or sensory accommodations.
The proposed Purple Certification Scheme will evaluate public and private buildings based on universal design principles. The rating system will include tiered levels—from basic to excellence—along with detailed checklists and performance benchmarks for key elements such as ramps, entrances, signage, elevators, washrooms, pathways, and digital access.
“Accessibility should not be treated as an afterthought—it must be integral to how we design and operate our buildings,” said a representative from AMTZ. “This initiative represents a step toward that goal by offering a practical, measurable standard for inclusion.”
The two-day consultation involved three expert committees working to develop a unified national standard. Once rolled out, the Purple Building Certification will act as a voluntary guideline but is expected to become a trusted benchmark for various spaces—such as educational institutions, hospitals, commercial complexes, office buildings, and residential developments.
Beyond the certification itself, AMTZ is actively contributing to broader accessibility efforts. It is already a national partner in the Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan—a grassroots campaign led by the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneurs Association (IDEA) and supported by the Delhi government. The Purple Certification is envisioned as a core component of this movement to make public spaces truly inclusive.
Experts believe this certification program could fill a critical gap by bridging the divide between policy and implementation. By bringing together the government, industry, civic groups, and people with disabilities, the Purple Building Certification aims to push forward a more inclusive approach to urban development and infrastructure planning.
