By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 22: The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PMR) Centre in Shillong on Saturday, launched Northeast’s first-ever wheelchair-accessible vehicle to ease mobility for persons with disabilities.
The retrofitted Kia Carens, with a seating capacity for six, including one wheelchair user, a driver, and four passengers, is designed to break the barriers that have confined individuals with mobility challenges.
The two-meter rear ramp allows easy access, while a secure restraint system ensures safety and comfort for wheelchair users. It is not just a vehicle; it is a lifeline for those who have long struggled with the harsh reality of inaccessibility.
Director of the PMR Centre, Dr Lahunlang M Sohliya spoke with emotion as she outlined the struggles faced by persons with disabilities. “I see patients who cannot even make it to their medical appointments because there is no way for them to travel. Some tell me they haven’t been to church in years, others say they haven’t met friends in a long time. It’s not just about the body it’s about the mind, the heart, and the isolation that comes with being left behind,” she said.
She recalled how the idea for this initiative had been a dream for years, one that had seemed impossible due to financial constraints.
“I believe God opened a door,” she said, explaining how a Kickstart Grant from PRIME Meghalaya became the catalyst for bringing this project to life.
She informed that despite additional support from Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, personal contributions were still required to make it a reality. Yet, despite the financial hurdles, the vision stood strong: to restore independence and dignity to those sidelined by inaccessibility.
Dr Sohliya emphasized that this vehicle is just the beginning. “If this pilot project proves useful, we can push for government intervention to expand it. Our dream isn’t just about transport it’s about access to every aspect of life: places of worship, social gatherings, restaurants, hotels. This is the spark; now we need a fire of change.”
For now, those in need of the vehicle can call 708-523-5036 for bookings. With just one vehicle, availability may be limited, but Dr Sohliya assures that as demand grows, so will the services. Plans for an app-based booking system are also in the pipeline.
When asked about affordability, she reassured, “It won’t be more expensive than a regular ride. We are committed to making this accessible without being a financial burden.”
Pointing out that while major cities like Bangalore and Delhi have a few wheelchair-accessible vehicles, the rest of India lags far behind in inclusive transportation, Dr Sohliya said “Shillong is already a tourist destination—why not lead the way in accessibility? If the government supports this, we can ensure that people with disabilities do not struggle when travelling from Guwahati to Shillong or beyond”.
Meanwhile, a special representative from Bethany Society Rinalin Nongdhar said the initiative is a step in the right direction for the differently abled and is much appreciated.