Audit Reveals Wide Gaps in Toilet Facilities Across Mumbai Railways
Mumbai’s rail network, a vital lifeline for millions of commuters daily, has long been synonymous with overcrowding and delays. However, amid these pressing challenges, another issue has come to light: the disparity in the condition of toilet facilities across Western Railway (WR) and Central Railway (CR) stations.
The findings, gathered as part of a recent audit, highlight significant differences between the two lines, especially when it comes to the cleanliness and upkeep of washrooms used by passengers. While Central Railway stations like Byculla have set a standard for maintaining hygienic and free-to-use toilet facilities, the toilets at many WR stations, such as Mumbai Central and Borivli, are reportedly in poor condition, often suffering from neglect and improper maintenance. A shining example of what is possible can be found at Byculla Station on the Central Line, where the toilets—managed by the DMart Foundation—stand as a testament to what can be achieved with regular cleaning and attention to detail. Commuters have praised the station’s washrooms, highlighting their cleanliness and the availability of staff to ensure they remain in good condition. “This is how all public toilets should be,” said one commuter, who travels from Borivli to Byculla daily. These facilities are not only well-maintained but also free of charge, offering a much-needed respite for commuters.
In stark contrast, stations like Ghatkopar and Borivli on the Central Railway and various locations on the Western Railway continue to suffer from inadequate infrastructure and upkeep. Ghatkopar’s toilets, for instance, lack essential amenities like urinals, forcing commuters to urinate directly on the walls. Despite being a paid service, many passengers have raised concerns over the unhygienic state of facilities, with some even describing the situation as a “daylight robbery.” Another glaring issue is the absence of toilet facilities at Vidyavihar, an important station for students due to its proximity to numerous colleges. “We’ve been waiting for years for a toilet here. Women commuters like me face difficulties, especially those travelling long distances,” said a frustrated student. Similarly, the Central Railway stations continue to face issues with accessibility and availability of restrooms for the differently-abled. While dedicated facilities exist, they are often locked, requiring passengers to request a key from the station master.
Meanwhile, at Mumbai Central, the only toilet on Platform 1/2 has been described as poorly maintained, with walls stained with paan and insufficient amenities. A regular commuter remarked, “It’s difficult to locate this toilet due to the lack of signage, and even once found, the condition is unacceptable.” This sentiment is echoed across several other WR stations, including Dadar and Borivli, where toilets are either inadequately maintained or excessively dirty, despite being part of a paid service. At Andheri, the paid toilets are marred by paan stains and a general lack of cleanliness. However, commuters have noted that the free-to-use facilities located near the ticket window on the east side of the station are comparatively cleaner. The disparities between WR and CR’s toilet facilities call for urgent attention from both the Railway and civic authorities. Given the rising number of commuters, especially post-pandemic, addressing these issues should be a priority to ensure a hygienic and comfortable travel experience for all passengers.
