Why are Tactile Indicators Important for the Visually Impaired?

Have you ever noticed raised bumps on sidewalks, train platforms, or pedestrian crossings? These are tactile indicators—essential safety features designed to help visually impaired individuals navigate public spaces independently. Also known as Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSI), these specialized paving solutions provide crucial guidance in high-traffic areas, ensuring accessibility and safety for all.

How Do Tactile Indicators Help the Visually Impaired?

For individuals with visual impairments, moving safely in urban environments can be challenging. Tactile indicators serve as navigational aids, helping them identify hazards, changes in elevation, and direction of movement. Commonly installed at staircases, escalators, pedestrian crossings, bus stops, and metro stations, these indicators create an inclusive environment where visually impaired individuals can travel with confidence.

There are two main types of TGSI:

- Warning Tactile Indicators: These alert pedestrians to potential dangers, such as approaching road crossings, train platforms, or stair edges.
- Directional Tactile Indicators: These guide individuals along a safe path, leading them to designated crossings, exits, or transport hubs.

The Growing Need for Tactile Indicators in Public Spaces

With increasing urbanization and technological advancements, accessibility should be a priority in infrastructure planning. Pedestrian crossings are especially hazardous due to interactions with vehicles, bicycles, and electric scooters. Without proper tactile guidance, the risk of accidents for visually impaired pedestrians increases significantly.

Beyond roads and transport hubs, accessibility measures must extend to public places like malls, theaters, parks, hospitals, and workplaces. Every establishment should implement disability-friendly designs, ensuring that people with visual impairments can enjoy the same level of independence as others.

Eminent Tactiles: Pioneering Accessible Solutions in India

At Eminent Tactiles, we specialize in manufacturing and supplying high-quality stainless steel, polyurethane (PU), and integrated tactile solutions that enhance accessibility and safety. Our range includes tactile warning studs, directional strips, adhesive tiles, and PU tactile indicators, designed to meet global safety standards like the National Building Code of India (NBC 2016) and Australian Standards AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009.

We prioritize precision, durability, and compliance, ensuring that our tactile indicators effectively serve their purpose while blending seamlessly into modern urban landscapes. Our anti-slip, weather-resistant designs ensure long-term performance in high-traffic areas.

Why Choose Eminent Tactiles?

Superior Material Quality: We use premium stainless steel, brass, and PU materials for durability and aesthetic appeal.
Custom Solutions: We offer customizable sizes, patterns, and finishes to suit different environments.
Regulatory Compliance: Our products adhere to both Indian and international accessibility standards.
Enhanced Safety Features: Our tactile indicators are designed for maximum slip resistance and high visibility.

Creating a More Inclusive Future

As India continues to grow, the focus on inclusive infrastructure must strengthen. Governments, businesses, and urban developers must ensure that public spaces are accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities. Tactile indicators are a fundamental part of this transformation, making cities safer and more inclusive.

At Eminent Tactiles, our mission is to contribute to this change by offering the best tactile paving solutions for a more accessible and independent future. Let’s build a world where everyone can navigate safely and confidently—because accessibility is not a privilege; it’s a necessity!

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Bhavin Ghelani

January 21,2016

Mr. Bhavin Ghelani is an engineer and entrepreneur passed his engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU). Since his adolescence, he has believed in society’s upbringing, and he has always desired to offer some value to society. He also has a religious side too. When in 2015, Our Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi started the Accessible India Campaign, also known as the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan for all the disabled peoples in our country. He saw this initiative as a fantastic opportunity and after lots of deep research, he found the concept of Tactile Ground Surface Indicators which was being already practiced for Visually impaired peoples in countries like, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States of America, and many other developed countries. So at that point, the idea of the formation of ‘Eminent Tactiles’ under ‘Eminent Overseas’ came into his mind. Slowly & Steadily it has become India’s first and foremost manufacturer, supplier & exporter of Tactile Ground Surface Indicator products and under his vision, more range of products kept on developing so far.