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Bengaluru Entrepreneur Turns Adversity into Opportunity: Making Public Spaces Accessible for All
In 2014, Bengaluru-based IT professional Prateek Khandelwal’s life took a drastic turn when a fall from an under-construction building left him paralyzed from the waist down. Faced with the prospect of a life confined to a wheelchair, Prateek was determined not to let his condition define him. Instead, he turned his challenges into an opportunity to make a difference, founding RampMyCity, a startup aimed at improving accessibility in public spaces across India.
Initially, Prateek faced significant physical and emotional challenges, but his determination saw him through four years of rigorous physical therapy. By 2017, he could stand with the help of a walker and began reconnecting with his social life. However, the lack of accessible public spaces in India became a major barrier. This realization drove Prateek to create RampMyCity in 2020, a company that provides comprehensive accessibility solutions, including ramps, audits, and retrofitting for public and private sectors.
Since its inception, RampMyCity has installed over 530 ramps in cities like Bengaluru, Goa, Gurgaon, and Mumbai, making significant strides toward creating a more inclusive environment. The startup’s impact was further amplified when Lok Sabha MP Tejasvi Surya recognized Prateek’s efforts, leading to the installation of ramps at several prominent government buildings in Bengaluru.
RampMyCity's approach is rooted in Prateek’s personal experiences and the understanding that accessibility is not just a charity issue but a fundamental right. By focusing on practical, cost-effective solutions, the startup has made substantial progress in transforming Bengaluru into one of India’s most wheelchair-friendly cities.
Prateek’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of purpose. Through RampMyCity, he continues to break barriers and create a more accessible future for all, proving that life’s greatest challenges can also be its greatest opportunities.
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