BLR Airport introduces ‘Mobility Assist’, India’s first personalised support equipment for passengers with reduced mobility

As part of its ongoing accessibility initiatives, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has introduced Mobility Assist—India’s first advanced assistive support system designed to enable safe and seamless boarding and disembarking for passengers with reduced mobility, including children and those requiring additional care. This equipment has been donated by Dr. B.S. Ajaikumar, Founder & Executive Chairman of Healthcare Global Enterprises (HCG), in memory of his son, Adarsh Ajaikumar.

Adarsh, who lived with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and used an electric wheelchair, experienced the physical discomfort and emotional strain caused by inadequate transfer support at airports. That deeply personal experience became the inspiration for this initiative, now supporting the way passengers with reduced mobility travel at BLR Airport.

The Mobility Assist transforms the transfer experience by mechanically assisting children and passengers with reduced mobility directly from their wheelchair during boarding, deplaning, or intra-terminal movement. It reduces physical strain, minimises risk, and ensures a more comfortable experience for both passengers and staff. This service will be available upon request through Airline Coordination ensuring passengers with reduced mobility receive personalised, end-to-end support tailored to their needs.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Ajaikumar, said, “The contribution is deeply personal for us. During our travels, Adarsh endured great discomfort due to the lack of appropriate support equipment. Yet, he chose to turn that pain into purpose. The Mobility Assist represents his wish to help others like him travel with ease, and comfort. We hope this becomes a model that airports across India can adopt.”

Reinforcing the airport’s commitment to accessible travel, Mr. Hari Marar, MD & CEO, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), added, “At BLR Airport, accessibility is a mindset rooted in care, equity, and purpose. The introduction of the Mobility Assist marks another step in our journey toward building an inclusive airport experience, with thoughtful focus on those who rely on it the most. We are deeply grateful to the Ajaikumar family for enabling this advancement, and we hope this will further strengthen our accessibility infrastructure and set a new benchmark in passenger care.”

The broader accessibility initiatives at BLR Airport include the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Programme for passengers with non-visible disabilities, and sensory rooms designed to support neurodivergent travellers with calming, controlled environments during their journey. The airport is also the first in India to be awarded the prestigious ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Level 3, recognising its efforts in creating a barrier-free and inclusive travel infrastructure.

With the introduction of the Mobility Assist, BLR Airport takes yet another meaningful step in advancing passenger experience, moving beyond compliance to compassion. It further reflects the airport’s commitment to building a travel environment that is not just efficient, but empathetic, equitable, and accessible for all.