Churchgate toilet users allege forced overcharging despite displayed rates

The filthy ladies’ toilet where users who pay Rs 1 are sent; (right) Ladies’ toilet available for those willing to pay higher fee. Pics/Ritika Gondhalekar

Commuters using the public toilet at Churchgate railway station have raised serious concerns over the alleged overcharging and coercive practices by private operators running the facility. While the official rate displayed prominently on the board outside the toilet mentions a fee of Rs 1 per use for the urinal and Rs 5 for using the toilet, commuters claim they are being forcefully charged Rs 5 irrespective of which facility they use.

A filthy section of the men's toilet with a broken door. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Allegations put to test

When this reporter tried using the washroom, she experienced the same problem. It was also observed that while the Rs 5 toilet was kept clean and had good water supply, the Rs 1 urinal wasn't maintained at all, and of the three urinals, only one had running water. The stench, however, was unbearable, and the reporter wasn't allowed to use the facility without paying the hiked fee.

An attendant collects the fee from a commuter. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Adding to the grievance is the manner in which the fee is collected. Unlike most public toilets, where users pay after using the facility, attendants at the Churchgate station toilet demand payment upfront and block access until the higher amount is paid. The situation at the men's toilet is slightly better in terms of payment, but the facility is equally filthy.

The condition of the men's toilet is as bad as the women's section. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Rs 5
Amount charged for use of both urinal and toilet

Bad vs worse

Ashutosh Rewale, Commuter
‘I was charged Rs 1 only for using the urinal. But there is another urinal as well in the men's washroom, which can be used free of cost. While hygiene at both urinals is bad, the free one is pathetic. It's a choice between bad and worse'

Shivam Dube, Commuter
‘Firstly, this should be a free service. But at some stations they charge a high fee, at some they don't take any money, while some are just always shut. Why isn't there one rule for all railway stations?'

Women's woes

Riya Dube, Student
‘The board clearly says Rs 1, but they refuse to let you enter the toilet unless you pay Rs 5. If you insist on paying Rs 1, they direct you to the urinal, which is unhygienic and does not have water supply'

Nandini Keluskar, Commuter
‘We are left with little choice, especially during peak hours when time and alternatives are limited. After a hectic work day, you don't want to argue and get more frustrated. But this way, the purpose of earning money wrongfully by those managing the toilets is well severed'

Aditi Rajadhyaksha, Commuter
‘This is not about paying Rs 4 extra. It's about harassment and denial of a basic service. If the official rate is Rs 1, why are private contractors allowed to flout the rules so openly?'

ActivistSpeak

Rohini Kadam, Head, Right to Pee campaign
‘The Western Railway has never responded… neither to our letters nor during our in-person meetings. Even if these toilets are managed by private contractors, these contractors go through a tendering process. But there is no supervision by the railways. It's a long-standing issue, but is never taken seriously'

What experts say

‘Many men and women tend to repeatedly urinate in unhygienic locations, which can affect their health. Unhygienic spaces tend to have bacteria and germs that can cause infections. When it comes to women, this can lead to higher chances of urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginal infections, and irritation, as their urinary passage is shorter and more sensitive. Repeated infections can lead to lower abdominal pain, burning during urination, and long-term discomfort. Even men should be cautious, as urinating in unhygienic conditions leads to urinary infections, skin rashes, and irritation around the genital area. Also, it is necessary to clean the toilet seat before using it. Maintain personal hygiene by ensuring that you wash your hands and genital areas thoroughly. It is also necessary to drink enough water to flush toxins out of the body. It is necessary to find a clean and hygienic place to urinate, but urine shouldn't be held for long periods. Seek medical help if you notice pain, burning, or frequent infections that interfere with your daily routine'
Dr Dimpal Chudgar, gynaecologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital Mumbai

‘Urinating in unhygienic locations regularly can have negative consequences on the urinary and reproductive health. In women, especially, this significantly raises the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, UTIs, pelvic pain, and discomfort due to their shorter urinary passage. These infections, if ignored, can lead to kidney damage. Men may develop urinary infections, skin irritation, rashes, and inflammation around the genital area and may require timely intervention. Both will experience symptoms such as painful urination, abdominal pain and cramping, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, cloudy urine, burning sensation during urination, and pain in the side or lower back. These symptoms require prompt attention from a gynaecologist. Repeated exposure to unhygienic conditions can also weaken immunity, making infections more frequent and harder to treat over time. People must take charge of their reproductive health and avoid urinating at unhygienic places'
Dr Priyanka Sonawane, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai

Despite several attempts by mid-day via calls, messages and emails, there was no response from the Western Railway authorities till the time of going to press.