District by Zomato has launched the Inclusive Dining Toolkit, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help restaurants create more accessible and inclusive dining spaces for persons with disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, pregnant women, and others with accessibility needs.

The toolkit has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Samarthyam, and The Association of People with Disability. Its development also involved consultations with persons with disabilities, restaurant partners, and accessibility experts to ensure practical and meaningful recommendations.

The initiative aims to help restaurants identify accessibility gaps, make operational improvements, and provide diners with greater visibility into accessibility-related information before they visit. In addition to promoting inclusion, the toolkit highlights how accessible dining spaces can support business growth through increased footfall, repeat visits, and larger group gatherings.

The launch event was attended by Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who participated as the Chief Guest.

In a message shared during the launch, Shri B. L. Verma, Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, said that accessible dining environments are essential for enabling persons with disabilities to participate independently and with dignity in everyday public life. He described the toolkit as a practical resource that can help the hospitality industry build more inclusive spaces.

Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda noted that the initiative reflects a broader effort to make public spaces and experiences more accessible. She highlighted that while significant progress has been made through the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and the Accessible India Campaign, accessibility and inclusion should become a standard part of infrastructure planning and service delivery across industries.

According to the company, India is home to more than 2.68 crore persons with disabilities, many of whom continue to face challenges while dining out due to inaccessible infrastructure and limited information about accessibility features at restaurants.

During consultations, restaurant operators expressed a willingness to improve accessibility but also highlighted practical challenges, particularly around infrastructure changes in leased properties. The toolkit has been designed to offer actionable recommendations that restaurants can implement within such operational constraints.

Alongside the launch of the toolkit, District by Zomato has also introduced several accessibility-focused features on its platform. These include improved support for screen-reader users, accessibility filters on dining pages, and AI-powered solutions aimed at helping users make more informed dining decisions based on their accessibility requirements.

Through this initiative, District by Zomato aims to encourage greater inclusivity within the hospitality sector while helping restaurants create welcoming experiences for a wider range of guests.