Surya inaugurates wheelchair-friendly toilet at LalbaghWashroom built by NGO Ramp My City with support of Australian Consulate in Bengaluru

Bengaluru Express
Bangalore, July 26:

Tejasvi Surya, Bengaluru South MP, threw open a wheelchair-friendly toilet at Lalbagh on Saturday, adding to the efforts of his office in improving accessibility in public spaces in the constituency.

The venue for the toilet was identified by the MP Office, while NGO Ramp My City constructed the washroom with support from the Australian Consulate in Bengaluru. The Horticulture Department of the Government of Karnataka, who are the caretakers of the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, made the space available for construction.

The washroom was inaugurated in the presence of Phillip Green, Australian High Commissioner to India, Hillary McGreachy, Australian Consul-General in Bengaluru, and Prateek Khandelwal, founder of Ramp My City.

Speaking at the event, Tejasvi Surya said, “This facility is a small but powerful step towards making our public spaces truly inclusive. It gives persons with disabilities the dignity and independence they deserve.”

He added, “We are proud to work again with Ramp My City, an organisation that is doing remarkable work to make our cities more accessible. Their commitment and attention to detail are commendable.”

Surya also thanked the Australian Consulate for their consistent support. “Partnerships like these—between governments and civil society—are the way forward. Inclusion must be at the heart of public infrastructure.”

He recalled that his office had earlier collaborated with Ramp My City to install ramps at over 15 government offices and police stations. The NGO also built a wheelchair-friendly resting point for gig workers outside the Bengaluru South MP Office, which is widely used by Divyangjan and others.

“Small changes make a big difference,” Surya said. “We hope this inspires more such initiatives across Bengaluru and beyond.”

The newly inaugurated washroom is expected to benefit hundreds of visitors with disabilities who visit Lalbagh every week, ensuring they have access to basic amenities in one of the city’s most iconic public gardens.