The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun preparations to install advanced bio-toilets along Mumbai’s Coastal Road, aiming to improve public convenience for residents and tourists visiting the popular Marine Drive area. The civic body plans to invest Rs 4.19 crore in the project.
The Coastal Road has emerged as an important transport corridor, helping ease traffic congestion while attracting visitors keen to experience Mumbai’s seafront. With tourist footfall increasing around Marine Drive, the municipal administration intends to provide modern sanitation facilities and reduce inconvenience for visitors.
The proposed bio-toilets will feature vacuum-based flushing technology, similar to systems used in aircraft. According to the civic body, each flush will consume just one litre of water, potentially helping conserve water amid Mumbai’s recurring supply concerns.
The facilities will also use solar panels to generate electricity. Separate amenities will be provided for men, women, persons with disabilities and transgender users. Sanitary napkin vending machines and CCTV surveillance systems are also planned as part of the installation.
User Charges and Maintenance
Access to the toilets will reportedly cost Rs 10 for men and Rs 5 for women. Children and persons with disabilities are expected to receive free access. Once construction is completed, the appointed contractor will be responsible for maintaining the facilities for 18 months.
Past Experience Highlights Need for Proper Upkeep
The project comes against the backdrop of an earlier civic initiative that faced operational difficulties. The BMC had spent Rs 35 lakh to construct a public toilet near Oval Maidan, but the facility reportedly shut down within a short period because of a technical problem involving its sewage channel.
The earlier experience highlights the importance of ensuring reliable wastewater disposal, operational efficiency and regular maintenance alongside modern technology. For the new Coastal Road facilities to serve the public effectively, sustained upkeep and proper sewage management will be essential beyond the initial construction phase.
Source: Nav Shakti
