The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has decided to charge Re one from the passengers for using new toilets being constructed on built operate and transfer (BOT) basis.

The construction of public toilets was overlooked while conceptualizing the metro. In July 2007, the Delhi High Court directed the Metro authorities to allow the passengers to use staff toilets due to unavailability of public toilets. Though for the time being, the staff toilets which have been converted into passenger toilets are free, but might become chargeable in the days to come, said official sources.

Construction and maintenance of toilets blocks at all the stations will be carried out in phased manner and will be handed over to Sulabh International which maintains and runs public convieniences in other parts of the city as well.

"In Phase-I, eight new toilet blocks are being constructed on BOT basis at Patel Chowk, Mandi House, Pratap Nagar, Kanhaiya Nagar, Pulbangash, Shastri Nagar. The Sulabh International has also  proposed to levy same charges at busiest Metro stations Rajiv Chowk and Kashmiri Gate which have been handed over to it on August 1," a senior DMRC official said.

A Sulabh international official said, "Every station will have two units of passenger toilets, two each for ladies and gents. As per the proposal, more public conveniences on BOT basis will be provided."

Public closet at Metro stations

Recently, Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit who undertook surprise visit of metro stations had complained of unhygienic state of toilets. Sources said that operation of toilets at Rajiv Chowk and Kashmiri Gate has been carried out in a hurry after the Chief Minister's visit.

When contacted, Delhi Metro spokesman Anuj Dayal, said, "Sulabh International has expertise in providing this service. As far as matter of charging Rupee one for the services at built operate and transfer  toilets is concerned, it is for their appropriate maintenance. Even NDMC is doing the same."