Thu May 22 19:43:18 UTC 2025: ## Namma Metro Imposes Toilet Fees, Sparking Commuter Outrage
**Bengaluru, May 23, 2025:** Namma Metro commuters are facing another blow to their wallets as the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has begun charging for toilet use at 12 stations. The move, which took effect today, sees Sulabh International managing the restrooms in the unpaid areas of the stations, with users now required to pay ₹2 for urinals and ₹5 for toilets.
The stations affected in this initial phase are National College, Lalbagh, South End Circle, Jayanagar, Rashtriya Vidyalaya Road, Banashankari, Jaya Prakash Nagar, Yelachenahalli, Sir M Visvesvaraya Station (Central College), Dr BR Ambedkar Station (Vidhana Soudha), Cubbon Park, and Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station.
This decision follows a controversial fare hike of up to 71% implemented just months ago, leaving many commuters feeling increasingly burdened.
“We are already burdened with increased fares, and now even basic facilities like toilets come at a cost,” said Shalini R., a regular commuter from Jayanagar. “This feels like profiteering in the name of convenience.”
Another passenger, Santosh Kumar, from Banashankari, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Metro stations should be inclusive and people-friendly. Charging for toilets, especially when fares have just gone up, sends the wrong message about priorities.”
The issue of toilet access has been a long-standing one for Namma Metro. The lack of restrooms was a significant concern when the metro first launched in 2011, prompting the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission to declare the absence of toilets a violation of commuters’ fundamental rights. While BMRCL eventually provided free restroom access within the paid concourse areas in 2015, this latest decision to impose fees in unpaid zones has reignited the controversy.
However, some commuters believe the fees could lead to improved sanitation. “The metro stations are usually clean, but I cannot say the same about the toilets I have used in some of the stations,” said Dharini N. from Kengeri. “If collecting a nominal sum is going to improve cleanliness, then I don’t mind paying.”
The implementation of toilet fees raises questions about accessibility and affordability within Bengaluru’s rapidly expanding metro system. The BMRCL has yet to comment on the criticism, leaving commuters to grapple with the added cost and debate its merits.
First Piper 