Bengaluru: BMRCL faces backlash for introducing paid restrooms at 12 metro stations amid fare hike

BMRCL faces public outrage after introducing fees for restrooms at 12 Bengaluru metro stations amid a recent 70% fare hike. Commuters criticise the move, citing poor amenities and demanding the charges be rolled back immediately.

Bengaluru: The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), already under public scrutiny for a steep 70% hike in metro fares, has now drawn further criticism by introducing charges for using restrooms at 12 of its stations. Since the metro’s launch in 2011, these facilities have been free for passengers.

Under the new arrangement, BMRCL has outsourced the maintenance of these restrooms to Sulabh International, a private organisation. Users will now be charged ₹2 for urination and ₹5 for defecation. BMRCL officials justified the move by pointing out that the restrooms are accessible to the general public, not just metro passengers, which has led to increased usage and the need for better maintenance.

Stations with paid restrooms

The paid restrooms are located at National College, Lalbagh, South End Circle, Jayanagar, Banashankari, Jayaprakash Nagar, Yelachenahalli, Sir M. Visvesvaraya Station, Central College, Dr Ambedkar Station (Vidhana Soudha), Cubbon Park, and Majestic.

Locations: The paid restrooms are located at National College, Lalbagh, South End Circle, Jayanagar, National College Road, Banashankari, Jayaprakash Nagar, Yelachenahalli, Sir M. Visvesvaraya Station, Central College, Dr. Ambedkar Station, Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, and Majestic stations. BMRCL officials stated that these restrooms are accessible without a metro ticket, leading to usage by non-passengers, hence the decision to outsource their management to Sulabh International.

Criticism over priorities

Surya Narayana Murthy, Vice President of the BMRCL Employees' Association, questioned the decision, pointing to ongoing administrative inefficiencies. “It’s ironic that BMRCL is charging people for using restrooms while continuing to waste money on unnecessary expenses, including inflated salaries for certain officials,” he said.

Commuter backlash

Passengers expressed strong disapproval, arguing that the metro already lacks many of the amenities offered by similar systems in other cities. Many questioned the logic of imposing restroom charges, especially in the wake of fare increases, such as the ₹40 ticket from JP Nagar to KR Market, and demanded a rollback of the decision.