Churchgate toilet users allege forced overcharging despite displayed rates

Commuters using the public toilet at Churchgate railway station have raised serious concerns over the alleged overcharging and coercive practices by private operators running the facility While the official rate displayed prominently on the board outside the toilet mentions a fee of Rs 1 per use for the urinal and Rs 5 for using the toilet commuters claim they are being forcefully charged Rs 5 irrespective of which facility they useA filthy section of the menrsquos toilet with a broken door PicSayyed Sameer AbediAllegations put to testWhen this reporter tried using the washroom she experienced the same problem It was also observed that while the Rs 5 toilet was kept clean and had good water supply the Rs 1 urinal wasnrsquot maintained at all and of the three urinals only one had running water The stench however was unbearable and the reporter wasnrsquot allowed to use the facility without paying the hiked feeAn attendant collects the fee from a commuter PicSayyed Sameer AbediAdding to the grievance is the manner in which the fee is collected Unlike most public toilets where users pay after using the facility attendants at the Churchgate station toilet demand payment upfront and block access until the higher amount is paid The situation at the menrsquos toilet is slightly better in terms of payment but the facility is equally filthyThe condition of the menrsquos toilet is as bad as the womenrsquos section PicSayyed Sameer AbediRs 5Amount charged for use of both urinal and toiletBad vs worseAshutosh Rewale CommuterlsquoI was charged Rs 1 only for using the urinal But there is another urinal as well in the menrsquos washroom which can be used free of cost While hygiene at both urinals is bad the free one is pathetic Itrsquos a choice between bad and worsersquoShivam Dube CommuterlsquoFirstly this should be a free service But at some stations they charge a high fee at some they donrsquot take any money while some are just always shut Why isnrsquot there one rule for all railway stationsrsquoWomenrsquos woesRiya Dube StudentlsquoThe board clearly says Rs 1 but they refuse to let you enter the toilet unless you pay Rs 5 If you insist on paying Rs 1 they direct you to the urinal which is unhygienic and does not have water supplyrsquoNandini Keluskar CommuterlsquoWe are left with little choice especially during peak hours when time and alternatives are limited After a hectic work day you donrsquot want to argue and get more frustrated But this way the purpose of earning money wrongfully by those managing the toilets is well severedrsquoAditi Rajadhyaksha CommuterlsquoThis is not about paying Rs 4 extra Itrsquos about harassment and denial of a basic service If the official rate is Rs 1 why are private contractors allowed to flout the rules so openlyrsquoActivistSpeakRohini Kadam Head Right to Pee campaignlsquoThe Western Railway has never respondedhellip neither to our letters nor during our inperson meetings Even if these toilets are managed by private contractors these contractors go through a tendering process But there is no supervision by the railways Itrsquos a longstanding issue but is never taken seriouslyrsquoWhat experts saylsquoMany men and women tend to repeatedly urinate in unhygienic locations which can affect their health Unhygienic spaces tend to have bacteria and germs that can cause infections When it comes to women this can lead to higher chances of urinary tract infections UTIs vaginal infections and irritation as their urinary passage is shorter and more sensitive Repeated infections can lead to lower abdominal pain burning during urination and longterm discomfort Even men should be cautious as urinating in unhygienic conditions leads to urinary infections skin rashes and irritation around the genital area Also it is necessary to clean the toilet seat before using it Maintain personal hygiene by ensuring that you wash your hands and genital areas thoroughly It is also necessary to drink enough water to flush toxins out of the body It is necessary to find a clean and hygienic place to urinate but urine shouldnrsquot be held for long periods Seek medical help if you notice pain burning or frequent infections that interfere with your daily routinersquoDr Dimpal Chudgar gynaecologist Apollo Spectra Hospital MumbailsquoUrinating in unhygienic locations regularly can have negative consequences on the urinary and reproductive health In women especially this significantly raises the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections vaginal infections UTIs pelvic pain and discomfort due to their shorter urinary passage These infections if ignored can lead to kidney damage Men may develop urinary infections skin irritation rashes and inflammation around the genital area and may require timely intervention Both will experience symptoms such as painful urination abdominal pain and cramping fever chills nausea and vomiting cloudy urine burning sensation during urination and pain in the side or lower back These symptoms require prompt attention from a gynaecologist Repeated exposure to unhygienic conditions can also weaken immunity making infections more frequent and harder to treat over time People must take charge of their reproductive health and avoid urinating at unhygienic placesrsquoDr Priyanka Sonawane consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Zynova Shalby Hospital MumbaiDespite several attempts by midday via calls messages and emails there was no response from the Western Railway authorities till the time of going to press