Even as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) grapples with the poor upkeep of 11 high-tech e-toilets installed under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, it has now approved a Rs 43.1 million plan to construct air-conditioned “smart toilets” at major city entry points and the Pune railway station. These new facilities will feature modern amenities such as WiFi and charging ports for mobiles and laptops—akin to those in shopping malls.

The existing e-toilets, introduced at prominent spots like Jangli Maharaj Road, Model Colony, Bhandarkar Road, Senapati Bapat Road, Viman Nagar, and Taljai Tekdi, were built with Rs 20 million from former MP Anil Shirole’s local area development fund. Designed to be unmanned and self-cleaning, most of these units are now defunct due to vandalism, theft, and lack of maintenance. Only three remain operational.

Officials say the civic body is now looking to relocate the surviving units to safer locations to reduce damage. MLA Siddharth Shirole, son of Anil Shirole, is also in discussions with PMC to revive the e-toilet initiative with better monitoring mechanisms.

Despite these setbacks, the PMC has approved the construction of five new high-end AC toilets designed for high footfall zones. “The modern facilities will be installed near major city gateways and the Pune station. Each will be fully air-conditioned and smartly equipped. The total project cost is Rs 43.1 million,” said Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of the Solid Waste Management Department.

The proposed sites and their allocated budgets are:

1. Katraj Chowk – Rs 8.61 million
2. Balewadi (Pune–Mumbai Road) – Rs 8.63 million
3. Shewalwadi Bus Depot (Pune–Solapur Road) – Rs 8.64 million
4. Pune Railway Station – Rs 8.61 million
5. Wagholi (Pune–Nagar Road) – Rs 8.64 million

To support maintenance, the corporation will grant advertising rights at each site. The facilities will be accessible on a pay-per-use basis.

Although Pune has around 1,200 public toilets, many are reported to be in disrepair, plagued by broken plumbing, water shortages, and unhygienic conditions—despite substantial spending on maintenance. The renewed focus on upgraded sanitation follows Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s directive in December urging PMC to build high-quality public conveniences.

Pune’s first modern toilet block, constructed in 2011 at Parvati Industrial Estate for Rs 1 million, once showcased stylish interiors and nine seats. Today, it too stands neglected, underscoring the challenges in sustaining public sanitation infrastructure.

Image source:punekarnews