3 days ago
PWD to build 400 toilets along state highways; seeks CSR funds
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Pune: The Public Works Department (PWD) plans to establish around 400 wayside hubs with restrooms and eateries across a 1 lakh kilometre road network in the state in the next two to three months.
The department aims to address the acute shortage of restroom facilities along highways. Authorities have decided to leverage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) aid instead of seeking state funds.
"We will not seek state funds but partner with private entities interested in the construction, operations, and maintenance of the facilities. We are also in discussion with self-help groups regarding year-round maintenance of these facilities," a senior PWD official said.
The decision came after the Bombay high court, in April this year, directed the state govt while hearing a PIL filed by a city-based activist highlighting the lack of toilets on state highways, despite assurances of constructing 400 toilets. The petitioner approached the high court against PWD and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Ltd. (MSRDC), seeking directions for adequate toilet facilities along state highways and the Mumbai-Pune expressway, claiming that such facilities are basic and essential for journeys of two to four hours.
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The department has identified crucial locations across all districts and the facilities have been planned 30-40km apart.
TOI had previously highlighted the shortage of restroom facilities along highways. PWD is now developing a comprehensive mapping strategy to ensure sufficient coverage and enhance journey comfort while addressing crucial infrastructure gaps on state highways.
"Wayside amenities are vital as people struggle to locate such facilities on lengthy highway stretches.
While the road network expands, basic infrastructure development lags," said Megha Sonawane, a regular biker who raised this issue with the state govt through emails and social media.
"Construction of such toilets would particularly benefit women travellers," she said.
The sustainability model involves nominal user charges, while some facilities would operate eateries to offset maintenance costs. Around 8-10 such facilities have been planned in each district on major roads.
While some facilities are already operational, notably near Ekvira Temple in Karla near Lonavla, sites for other similar facilities are being finalised.
In order to help travellers locate the toilet facilities, the PWD plans to develop a mobile application — either integrated with Google Maps or as a standalone app.
Regular commuters have, however, expressed concerns about previously announced facilities that often deteriorate without proper maintenance.
Activists championing improved toilet conditions emphasised the necessity of third-party inspections for construction and maintenance to ensure proper standards.
"Mere construction will not help. There should be a continuous effort made by the state and agencies to maintain these services well," said Seema Mohopatra, a regular traveller and activist.
"Toilet facilities are available at Khalapur and Talegaon toll plazas and petrol pumps on the Pune-Mumbai expressway. With expressway expansion planned, three to four additional toilets will be built along the route," an MSRDC official said.
