I have lost track of the number of times I have used the washroom facilities at the McDonald's outlet outside Thane West railway station during my college days and work life. I'd often buy fries or burger — mostly as a sort of thank you — for having used a facility where women could pee safely and in somewhat hygienic conditions.

While I don't have to visit the station these days, I'm told the area is extremely crowded during peak hours. Recently, friends on my school WhatsApp group had posted about India's first powder room for women near the station with services like tea-coffee, water, sanitary pads, branded undergarments, sewing kits, beauty products, melodious music and chocolates. It seemed like it was all too good to be true.