Rs 1 for urinals, Rs 5 for toilets: Mumbai’s public loos may cost more

Using public toilets in Mumbai could soon cost more, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) proposing to introduce a Rs 1 fee for urinals, which are currently free, and increase charges for other facilities. The proposal, submitted to civic group leaders, seeks to raise washroom charges from Rs 2 to Rs 5 and bathroom charges from Rs 5 to Rs 10.

The proposed hike follows concerns raised by operators of the city’s 846 public pay-and-use toilet complexes, built by the BMC but managed by private agencies and non-governmental organisations, over the cost of maintaining the facilities. At present, users can access urinals free of charge, while washroom use costs Rs 2 and bathro (Som facilities cost Rs 5.

Under the proposed revision, all three charges would increase, with urinal use becoming chargeable for the first time. “While the development is carried out by the BMC, the public toilets are managed by private sansthas. They are left to manage the toilets on their own, which entails bearing the costs of cleaning, washing the premises, repairing any small or big damages, amongst other commercial charges.