Following public backlash and commuter protests, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) reversed its decision to impose a fee for using public toilets at 12 Namma Metro stations in Bengaluru. It also cancelled its contract with Sulabh International, the non-profit organisation that had been tasked with managing these toilets.
Earlier this week, BMRCL had handed over the management of restrooms located in the unpaid areas (outside the ticketed zone) of select metro stations to Sulabh International. Under this arrangement, users were being charged ₹2 for use of the urinal and ₹5 for the toilet.
The move triggered criticism from activists and daily commuters, who argued that such charges were unfair, especially in the wake of the recent 71% hike in fares.
Impact of protest
On May 26, a group of metro users and activists staged a protest in front of the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Station at Vidhana Soudha, opposing the introduction of restroom charges. Protesters held placards and raised slogans demanding that BMRCL treat toilets as essential infrastructure, not a revenue stream.
Responding to the public outcry, a senior BMRCL official told The Hindu on May 27, “We have rolled back the decision and also cancelled the contract with Sulabh International. This was initially done to ensure high-quality maintenance, not for revenue generation. But now, BMRCL will take direct responsibility for maintaining these toilets.”
Earlier, BMRCL had clarified that toilets located within the paid areas, inside the swipe gates were already accessible to commuters for free, and the charges applied only to those located outside, which are used by the general public as well.
Welcoming the rollback, activist T. Narasimha Murthy said, “This is a good decision. Toilets are a basic necessity and should be provided free of cost. Charging for them, especially after the steep hike in fares, is unacceptable.”
Published – May 27, 2025 04:00 pm IST
