Samarth Accessibility Metrics

India’s First Accessibility Rating System for a Barrier-Free Future.

The Vision

Inclusion begins with access, and measurement drives progress.

The Samarth Accessibility Metric (SAM) is India’s first comprehensive accessibility rating system for public spaces and built environments. Developed by Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility under the aegis of Samarth by Hyundai and in partnership with Times Network, SAM is designed to bridge the gaps in our physical, digital, and transport infrastructure.

Why SAM Matters

Grounded in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, SAM moves beyond intent to implementation. It provides a standardized framework to:

Evaluate current accessibility compliance.
Generate a credible rating for public and private spaces.
Outline a clear roadmap for continuous improvement.

The Rating Framework

To encourage meaningful progress rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach, SAM utilizes a tiered recognition system:

Silver

Foundational accessibility
standards met

Gold

Advanced inclusive design and experiential access

Platinum

National benchmark for universal design and seamless inclusion

Who is SAM for

SAM is designed for any organization responsible for public-facing spaces and mobility infrastructure. Whether you are managing a government facility, a corporate campus, a transport hub, or a hospitality venue, SAM provides the framework to measure, benchmark, and continuously improve your accessibility performance — aligned with global best practices.

Government & Public Infrastructure

Municipal buildings, railway stations, airports, smart city projects, heritage sites, and urban public spaces covered under the Accessible India Campaign

Corporate & Commercial Spaces

Office campuses, retail environments, shopping centres, industrial facilities, and co-working spaces

Transport & Mobility

Bus terminals, metro stations, airports, parking structures, pedestrian pathways, and fleet accessibility

Hospitality & Tourism

Hotels, resorts, convention centres, museums, and tourist destinations advancing inclusive tourism

Education & Healthcare

Schools, universities, hospitals, and research institutions committed to barrier-free access

Real Estate & Construction

Developers, architects, and builders integrating universal design from the blueprint stage itself

Government & Public Infrastructure — Municipal buildings, railway stations, airports, smart city projects, heritage sites, and urban public spaces covered under the Accessible India Campaign
Corporate & Commercial Spaces — Office campuses, retail environments, shopping centres, industrial facilities, and co-working spaces
Transport & Mobility — Bus terminals, metro stations, airports, parking structures, pedestrian pathways, and fleet accessibility
Hospitality & Tourism — Hotels, resorts, convention centres, museums, and tourist destinations advancing inclusive tourism
Education & Healthcare — Schools, universities, hospitals, and research institutions committed to barrier-free access
Real Estate & Construction — Developers, architects, and builders integrating universal design from the blueprint stage itself

How SAM works

SAM follows a structured, evidence-based assessment process developed by Samarthyam and conceptualised in partnership with Times Network under the Samarth by Hyundai initiative. The assessment is led by Samarthyam’s cross-disability audit team — accessibility auditors with disabilities trained by UNESCAP — ensuring that lived experience is central to every evaluation.

Step 1 — Engagement & Scoping: The organization requests a SAM assessment. Our team defines the scope covering built environment, digital platforms, transport access points, and signage systems.
Step 2 — On-Site Accessibility Audit: Our multi-disciplinary team conducts a comprehensive physical and experiential assessment using standardized checklists aligned with the RPwD Act 2016, Harmonised Guidelines, and the National Building Code of India.
Step 3 — Scoring & Rating: Each space is scored across multiple accessibility parameters. Based on the aggregate score, it receives a Silver, Gold, or Platinum rating — establishing a clear, credible benchmark.
Step 4 — Gap Analysis & Roadmap: A detailed report is delivered with prioritized recommendations, cost estimates, and timelines for achieving the next tier. The roadmap covers both quick wins and long-term structural improvements.
Step 5 — Reassessment & Progression: Organizations can request a follow-up audit after implementing improvements to upgrade their rating, creating a cycle of continuous measurable progress.

SAM promotes measurable, accountable, and inclusive design practices — setting a new national benchmark for accessibility in India and guiding organizations towards creating barrier-free environments.

Transforming Accessibility through SAM

Towards an Accessible India for Persons with Disabilities

Learn more about SAM and the Samarth initiative: SAM on Times Now News