Panvel bus stand toilet stays locked two months after installation despite PMC assurance

The locked toilet at Panvel bus depot, on August 7. Pic/Abhitash Singh

A new toilet meant for commuters and public transport staff remains locked two months after it was installed at the Panvel bus stand, despite the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) commissioner assuring that it would be opened within two to three days after mid-day brought the issue to light on June 27, 2026. A ground check by this mid-day correspondent on August 7 found the toilet doors remained locked.

Lack of power

The latest reason for delay is no longer the inauguration alone. PMC Commissioner Mangesh Chitale told mid-day that the facility could not be inaugurated earlier because it did not have an electricity connection. The connection has now been obtained, he said. The toilet is expected to be opened for public use after an inauguration today.

Station walk

The development comes more than a month after mid-day first reported that the newly-installed facility was lying locked despite being ready for use. At the time, the toilet had already remained unused for about a month. The report highlighted how Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) drivers and conductors were being forced to walk to Panvel station to use restroom facilities, despite a toilet having been installed at their workplace.

Intervention sought

Devidas Khedkar, NMMT transport wing
"I have written to Vikrant Patil, BJP MLC and former deputy mayor of Panvel, seeking his intervention in getting the facility operational. He has assured me that it will be started soon."