Delhi University's Maitreyi College launches student-developed indoor navigation system for people with disabilities

Students of Delhi University's Maitreyi College have developed an inclusive indoor navigation platform aimed at helping people with disabilities move independently through campuses and large public buildings.

Named SUGAM (Smart, Universal, Guided, Accessible Mobility), the system has been described by the college as India's first student-led inclusive indoor navigation solution.

Developed by students under faculty mentorship, the platform integrates digital navigation tools with accessibility-focused features to assist people with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments.

The initiative seeks to address a common challenge faced by many users in navigating large indoor spaces such as educational institutions, offices, hospitals, and event venues.

Rather than offering a single navigation model, SUGAM provides customized accessibility features for different users.

People with visual impairments can access voice-guided navigation to move through buildings independently.

Users with mobility impairments receive step-by-step directions to help them reach their destination, while individuals with hearing impairments are supported through visual notifications and vibration-based alerts.

The platform also supports multiple Indian languages, allowing it to serve a broader range of users.

In addition to navigation, SUGAM features an integrated digital pass system that can be used for campus entry and college events.

A key component of the project is its audio signage system, designed to help users who do not own smartphones or are unfamiliar with mobile applications.

According to the developers, this feature makes the platform more inclusive by enabling navigation without relying entirely on personal digital devices.

The college said the project is intended to improve accessibility across educational spaces and encourage greater participation in academic activities, campus events, and college fairs.

The system was launched in the presence of Dr. Mathew Varghese, who conceptualized the project, Maitreyi College Principal Prof. Haritima Chopra, project lead Prof. Smriti Singh, former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, and the Registrar of the University of Delhi.

During the launch, the dignitaries said SUGAM has the potential to be adopted beyond college campuses in places such as hospitals, educational institutions, and commercial complexes.

The project was developed through collaboration between students and faculty from the Computer Science, Physics, and Sociology departments. The college also acknowledged the contributions of CURE India, Dr. Prajwalit Shika, and Ameya Meattle, a high school student from Singapore, in developing the platform's audio signage feature.