In a move that has sparked public outrage, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has imposed charges for using toilets at several Namma Metro stations. Previously offered free of cost, these essential facilities now carry a fee—Rs 2 for urinals and Rs 5 for defecation. BMRCL has entered into an agreement with a private company for the maintenance and operation of toilets across metro stations, particularly in South Bengaluru. This change has come at a time when passengers are already grappling with increased ticket fares introduced earlier this year.
Commuters argue that levying charges on basic amenities like toilets is unjustifiable, especially after fare hikes. Many have expressed strong opposition to this move, questioning BMRCL’s priorities and its commitment to public welfare. The JD(S) criticized the decision, accusing the Karnataka government of using metro toilets as another revenue-generating mechanism under its ‘guarantee schemes.’ In a scathing tweet, the party remarked, “Even toilets aren’t spared from the government’s collection drive.”
This development marks another flashpoint in the ongoing friction between commuters and the metro authorities, with many calling for immediate reversal of the decision and restoration of free access to essential sanitation facilities. The revival of this case has sparked debate within bureaucratic and political circles, with many questioning the intent behind the timing. Some see it as an internal power struggle, while others view it as a long-overdue step toward accountability.