Mumbai: Central Railway’s Kopar railway station finally gets mobile toilet

Mobile toilet installed at Dombivli West end of the station

Following a report in this paper in June - Kopar in Comma - which highlighted the lack of basic facilities at the Kopar railway station, visible improvements have started taking shape, most notably, the installation of a much-needed mobile toilet.

Kopar is a crucial junction between Diva and Dombivli on the Central Railway (CR) network. Until now, Kopar, which is a growing suburban interchange for Diva-Vasai and mainline commuters, had no toilet facility whatsoever, causing immense discomfort, especially to senior citizens and women. However, that changed on Sunday (August 3) after a mobile toilet was installed at the Dombivli West end of the station.

Speaking to mid-day, Station Manager Sanjay Gupta said, "Every day, passengers pleaded for a toilet. Constructing a permanent one would take time, so I requested KDMC's solid waste management department for a mobile unit but they refused, stating it's only meant for large events."

However, despite the refusal, Gupta didn't give up and he approached local MLA Ravindra Chavan, who immediately intervened and pushed the Kalyan Dombivili Municipal Corporation (KDMC) to act, and within 48 hours, a mobile toilet unit was arranged and installed.

Vijaya Thomas, and Vinayak Gandhi both daily commuters. PICS/SHRIKANT KHUPERKAR

Gupta added, "We cleaned the area, added lights and CCTV cameras, and deployed our ticket-checking staff to install banners across platforms showing commuters where the toilet is located."

This follows other positive developments at Kopar after mid-day's earlier coverage - Kopar gets a sip and AVM - which included the installation of an AVM at the Diva end and drinking water supply provided by the KDMC across platforms. The move has been widely appreciated by commuters.

Vinayak Gandhi, a 70-year-old Kopar resident who commutes daily to Vikhroli, said, "Evenings were horrible without a toilet. I had been informing the station office for months. I am grateful something has finally been done."

Vijaya Thomas, another daily commuter, said, "Many women travel for over three to hours on Diva-Vasai-Dahanu routes. There was no place to relieve themselves. The change is a big relief. All credit to the station manager for pushing this."

Kopar has now become an example of how determined railway officials, with support from local representatives, can make a difference. It also sets a precedent for other stations lacking basic amenities.