Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Inaccessibility Costing India Billions Annually: Report
Imagine if many people in India can't easily get to places or use websites because things aren't built for everyone.
A new report says this makes India lose a lot of money every year, about 18 lakh crore rupees.
This happens because people with disabilities, or who are older, or who are sick, can't work as much or buy as many things.
It's like having a lot of toys but not being able to play with them because the box is too hard to open.
The report says making places and technology easier for everyone to use isn't just a nice thing to do, it's smart for business.
It could help India make more money from tourism, sports, and even using the internet.
If we fix these problems, more people can join in, work, and help the country's economy grow bigger and better for everyone.
India loses an estimated $214 billion (Rs 17.9 lakh crore) annually due to inaccessibility, according to a report by KPMG and Svayam.
The loss stems from reduced productivity and market participation in sectors like tourism, sports, transport, and ICT.
Nearly 486 million Indians experience reduced mobility, with the figure rising to over 700 million when caregivers are included.
Transport sector faces the sharpest economic toll with annual productivity losses estimated at $125 billion (Rs 10.57 lakh crore).
The report advocates for accessibility as an economic strategy to boost India's GDP and align with national development goals.
- Who
- KPMG and Svayam (non-profit)
- What
- Released a White Paper valuing India's untapped potential due to inaccessibility at $214 billion (Rs 17.9 lakh crore) annually.
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- India
- Why
- Absence of accessible infrastructure, leading to lost productive years and diminished market participation across various sectors.
Accessibility as Economic Strategy
Accessibility as Welfare Measure
Economic Impact
Accessibility as Economic Strategy
Accessibility must be treated as an economic strategy that enhances GDP growth and productivity.
Accessibility as Welfare Measure
Accessibility is often viewed as a welfare measure, implying it is an expense rather than an investment.
Economic Benefits
Accessibility as Economic Strategy
Inclusive systems generate multiplier effects across labor participation and consumer demand, leading to enhanced GDP.
Accessibility as Welfare Measure
Inaccessible environments impose costs through reduced consumption, increased care dependence, and lost working days.
- Estimated Annual Loss
- $214 billion (Rs 17.9 lakh crore)
- Report Title
- 'Does Accessibility Make Economic Sense?'
- Publishing Organizations
- KPMG and Svayam
- Affected Population
- Nearly 486 million Indians with reduced mobility (over 700 million including caregivers)
- Largest Sectoral Loss (Transport)
- $125 billion (Rs 10.57 lakh crore)
- Digital Accessibility Loss
- $54 billion (Rs 4.57 lakh crore)