About

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) invites applications for the Inclusive Public Transportation Challenge, which seeks to identify and pilot innovative navigation solutions that make metro, rail, Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and bus-based public transportation safer, easier, and more accessible for blind and visually impaired passengers in India. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility, improve passenger safety, enable independent mobility, and provide real-time hands-free orientation to support seamless travel across transit systems.

India is home to nearly 9.1 million people living with blindness, many of whom face significant barriers in using public transportation. While audio and visual information systems exist, more advanced navigation support is needed to help blind and visually impaired passengers confidently navigate stations, platforms, stops, and boarding areas.

Through this challenge, ADB will pilot and validate innovative technologies in real-world settings to generate evidence for scaling solutions across cities in the region. Successful applicants may receive up to USD 450,000 per pilot project, subject to a 10% co-financing requirement. In addition to funding, participants will gain opportunities to validate their solutions in new markets, collaborate with ADB and key stakeholders, and increase visibility among governments and financiers across Asia and the Pacific.

Eligibility

Applications must be submitted through the online ADB Challenges application system after registering on the challenge website. Eligible applicants include for-profit entities, not-for-profit organisations, civil society organisations, research institutions, and government-owned enterprises that are legally and financially autonomous. Individuals are not eligible to apply. All team members must be at least 18 years of age. Proposals will be evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, scalability, and potential impact on improving accessibility for blind and visually impaired passengers.

Post Date: July 16, 2026