Pay to pee: Hyderabad Metro to charge people for using toilets at 29 metro stations

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMRL) has decided to charge commuters for using washrooms at 29 metro stations.

The decision has evoked mixed responses from commuters. While a section of people raised concerns regarding accessibility, fairness, and the overall impact on the daily lives of commuters, others have recognized the potential benefits of these charges in maintaining public washrooms, especially at stations with high daily commuter footfall.

The decision comes in response to mounting public criticism regarding the maintenance of public washrooms at metro stations.

Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMRL) has taken the initiative to implement user charges for the utilization of toilets at their stations which aims to address the growing criticism surrounding the upkeep of washrooms in these locations.

As a solution to these concerns, the management and maintenance of public washrooms at 29 stations have been entrusted to Sulabh International, an established organization known for its work throughout the country.

NVS Reddy, the Managing Director of HMRL, confirmed the development with a reply to a tweet stating, "As L&T was unable to maintain the wash rooms & there's an increasing public criticism about the maintenance issues, they have handed over the wash rooms to Sulabh international. Hence Rs 2 for urinals/ Rs 5 for toilet usage is being charged."

As L&T was unable to maintain the wash rooms & there's an increasing public criticism about the maintenance issues, they have handed over the wash rooms to Sulabh international. Hence Rs 2 for urinals/ Rs 5 for toilet usage is being charged.

— MD HMRL (@md_hmrl) June 7, 2023

An official from L&T further emphasized the need for outsourcing, explaining, "We have received numerous complaints through social media platforms. We believe in entrusting the management of such facilities to specialized agencies. Sulabh International is a renowned organization known for its work not only in the city but also throughout the country."

The official added, "The comfort of passengers is of utmost importance. For any operational asset company, customer satisfaction is a top priority. So we outsourced the maintenance of washrooms. The collection of charges and the maintenance of washrooms will be overseen by Sulabh International.”

Commuters at 29 metro stations in the city will be required to pay Rs 2 for utilizing urinals and Rs 5 for using toilets.