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

Mumbai's public toilets could soon face higher fees, as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) proposes to charge Rs 1 for urinals and increase rates for other facilities. Currently, urinals are free, with washroom use costing Rs 2 and bathrooms Rs 5. The proposal aims to raise these charges to Rs 5 and Rs 10, respectively.

This comes after private operators managing 846 public pay-and-use toilets complained about the financial burdens of maintaining them. The BMC argues that the revised rates will help operators cover their maintenance costs, as they are responsible for cleaning, repairs, and hiring caretakers. However, critics argue that the fee hike could hinder access to sanitation, particularly for poorer residents who rely on these facilities.