Pune: Despite the state government's provision for free public restrooms for urination, passengers at Pune's bus stations are being exploited. Men and women are being charged between 5 to 10 rupees at every location, a practice that contradicts government regulations.
Swargate and Wakdewadi, Pune’s two major bus stations, are the primary locations where this exploitation occurs. Thousands of passengers frequent these stations daily, with Swargate seeing about 12,000 passengers and Wakdewadi around 14,000.
At Wakdewadi, the absence of female staff in women's restrooms forces women to interact with male employees who charge them 5 to 7 rupees.
Similar exploitation is evident at Swargate, where women and girls are indiscriminately charged 5 rupees, and men 10 rupees, even for urination. The collected fees amount to significant daily revenue, all while the restrooms remain unsanitary and foul-smelling.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has outsourced restroom management statewide, setting specific fees for toilet and bathroom use. However, the sting operation revealed that double the specified rates are being charged.
Government regulations mandate free urinals for everyone and free restroom facilities for disabled persons and children under 12. Restroom premises should display clear signage, and women’s sections must have female staff. Yet, private contractors managing these facilities have blatantly ignored these rules.
Upon being confronted with video evidence of the exploitation, Senior Depot Manager Kshaneshwar Ranvare at Wakdewadi initially denied the charges but then promised action.
Similarly, Jayesh Patil, the new depot manager at Swargate, assured thorough investigation and corrective measures.
Passengers, especially women, have voiced their frustration: Deepa Chavan, a regular passenger said, "There should be female staff in the restrooms. Indiscriminate charging is not appropriate."
Ishwari Patil, another passenger said, "Even for urination, charges are demanded despite the unsanitary conditions. Such exploitation is not right."