Chennai: Metro commuters rue about toilets in paid area

CHENNAI: Increased connectivity of metro rail has led to a rise in patronage in recent days.  But, simultaneously, it raises a number of issues. One of the prime problems commuters face is paid toilets at some stations. “Two rupees is charged for using the washroom if it is in the non-paid area. Why should we pay two rupees extra every time we use a restroom despite paying a minimum of '10 for the travel?” said S. Priyanka, a commuter.

On the 10-kilometer stretch from Alandur to Koyambedu, three washrooms are in the non-paid area including Koyambedu, Ashok Nagar and Vadapalani. When CMRL officials introduced the concept of paid toilets, they cited the reason of misuse by non-users of elevated train stations that witness high footfall. Koyambedu washrooms reportedly had people around the station using it to take bath.

Another commuter Karthik Krishna says CMRL must either let ticket holders use washrooms in non-paid area for free or charge a fee in all metro stations. “Alandur witnesses highest patronage and they charge no fee for maintenance. Also, if a commuter checks out of the station unaware that the washroom is in paid area, the passenger has to pay Rs 9 to use the toilet despite having travelled in the metro. If the officials follow rigid rules in paid areas, they must provide an alternative for commuters from stations with washrooms in non-paid area,” he said. Though officials cite high patronage to be one of the reasons, Nanganallur metro station that hardly witnesses 50 passengers a day also charges Rs 2 for using the toilet.

When contacted, an official from CMRL said maintenance has become a challenge in stations such as Ashok Nagar as miscreants steal accessories in toilets. “For now, there will not be any change in the system,” he said.