Public toilets rendered unusable due to lack of maintenance

Across Bengaluru, clean and safe public toilets continue to be a missing link in civic infrastructure.  | Photo Credit: file photo

Not only are the number of public toilets in the city - over 360 - woefully inadequate for a place as large as Bengaluru, these are ill maintained rendering many of them unusable, a reality check by The Hindu revealed. 

In Cubbon Park, frequented by hundreds daily, visitors report a foul smell at the entrance of the toilet blocks, and the facilities are not cleaned. Despite the facilities being pay-to-use, many find them unusable.

At Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic), one of Bengaluru’s busiest transport hubs, conditions are reported to be especially bad during the rains. “They’re smelly and unsafe,” said Manchamma, a regular commuter. “No one maintains them,” she adds. 

Safina Plaza, one of the city’s oldest shopping centres, provides free washroom access. “Washrooms are a necessity and the organisation provides it for free,” said a representative, noting their focus on basic infrastructure and customer convenience.

In contrast, the BDA complex at HSR Layout Sector VI paints a dire picture. The women’s restrooms are in a state of neglect — missing locks, broken windows, no cleaning, and damaged amenities. “We don’t use the restrooms here. We walk to the BBMP office nearby,” admitted a woman working at the complex. Technicians at the complex confirmed frequent water supply issues.

Ramya, a resident of HSR Layout, said: “I end up using the mall washrooms instead — it’s just not feasible otherwise.”

Another resident, Vinita from Agara, added: “I had no choice but to use the government washroom when I was with my child. It was disturbing and unfit for use.”

The BDA complex in Koramangala offers five washrooms that are free and mostly safe, but not regularly cleaned. “They are safe, but not cleaned regularly,” said Savitha, a shopkeeper in the complex. 

Across Bengaluru, clean and safe public toilets continue to be a missing link in civic infrastructure. Citizens, especially women, are left to navigate between unhygienic options or none at all.

Published - June 18, 2025 09:06 pm IST