28 Central Rly stations to get cleaner toilets

The pathetic condition of commuter toilets at railway stations has finally prompted action from Central Railway (CR) authorities. CR officials have invited tenders from private cleaning agencies for the maintenance of toilets at 28 railway stations.

The pathetic condition of commuter toilets at railway stations has finally prompted action from Central Railway (CR) authorities. CR officials have invited tenders from private cleaning agencies for the maintenance of toilets at 28 railway stations.

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The move comes after a recent Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting, where the CR administration received flak from the commuter association on the deplorable condition of toilets at railway stations. Hindustan Times had reported about the issue on May 20.

“The authorities have finally heard our pleas. People are ready to pay if these facilities are provided,” Subhash Gupta, a member of DRUCC.

As per the proposal, the CR wants a private agency or a non-government organisation to operate and maintain toilets on a pay-and-use basis for a

period of five years. Sources said that the cleaning agencies would use specially formulated chemicals and fragrances to ward off odour in the toilets.

“We will conduct surprise checks at these stations and see the condition of toilet blocks. We will initiate action if we receive complaints,” said a CR official. Some of the stations where the toilet blocks would be maintained by private cleaning agencies are Vikhroli, Dombivli, Badlapur, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, Kasara, Khopoli, Taloja, Pen, Roha, Bhiwandi and Shahad.