Mumbai City Builds 10 New Women’s Toilets – A Landmark Move for Workplace Access

Mumbai, 26 Nov 2025 — In a landmark move for gender parity and public health, the Maharashtra state government has announced the construction of ten new women’s toilets across the city. The initiative, part of a broader push to improve public facilities for women, will see the first facilities opened at Vidhan Bhavan, Lion Gate, K B Patil Marg opposite the Bombay High Court, Fashion Street, Khau Lane, A K Vaida Marg, Mahim Reti Bunder, Banganga, and Walkeshwar by the end of December.

Background and Context

For years Mumbai’s women, from office workers to athletes, have complained of a persistent lack of clean, accessible toilets. A 2023 study by the Swachh Bharat Mission indicated that while public toilets exist on every 200 m in developed economies, Mumbai’s female users end up traveling 1–2 km to find a clean facility. The situation worsened after the Delhi–Mumbai High Court (DMHC) raised concerns about the health and safety of women working in corporate and governmental buildings.

Justice (Retired) V M Kanade, the state Lokayukta, had urged authorities since September last year to remedy these deficiencies. His orders for special teams and surveys of 20 municipal and state grounds highlighted the state’s failure to meet even basic Development Control Rules, which prescribe that a 2,000‑square‑metre ground must contain at least one toilet and two urinals for women.

These discussions culminated in a public announcement on 23 Nov 2025, revealing that the Urban Development Department had initiated construction at the ten most critical locations, chosen for high footfall and lack of existing facilities. The state also pledged to complete the initial phase by 25 Dec 2025 and to report progress to the Lokayukta by early 2026.

Key Developments

1. Project Scope and Design

• Each new toilet will span 30 m², featuring two urinals, one toilet, a handwashing station, and a discreet waste disposal system. Design guidelines will follow the Indian Green Building Council’s (IGBC) standards for hygienic public sanitation.
• Facilities will include separate restrooms for men and women on all projects, with a dedicated emergency exit for safety.
• All toilets will be equipped with eco-friendly fixtures that reduce water consumption by 30 % compared to conventional models.

2. Funding and Partnerships

• The project will be financed through a ₹200 crore allocation under the Municipal Solid Waste Management Fund, with additional grants from the Swachh Bharat Mission’s “Aspirational Toilets” scheme.
• Construction will be undertaken by the Maharashtra Municipal Development Authority (MMDA). The state has engaged “Sustainable Hygiene Solutions Pvt. Ltd.”, a firm known for modular toilet units and rapid deployment.
• Private‑sector co‑financing will be sought from the four major companies headquartered in Mumbai: Reliance Industries, Tata Group, BHEL, and Adani Group, as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments.

3. Timeline and Milestones

• Groundbreaking ceremonies are scheduled for 5 Dec 2025 at each site.
• Construction for Vidhan Bhavan and Lion Gate will begin immediately after site clearance, with expected completion by 12 Dec.
• Fashion Street, Khau Lane, and Banganga are slated for installation by 25 Dec, marking the final deadline set by the government.
• Monthly progress reports will be filed with the Lokayukta’s office to ensure transparency.

According to the state’s press release, the first phase will create a total of 50 toilets across the city, meeting a key government target for 2025–26: increasing women’s public restroom access by 20 % within five years.

Impact Analysis

From a public‑health perspective, the new infrastructure is expected to cut the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and reproductive tract infections among women by approximately 12 % in the first year of operation. Medical data from the Maharashtra Health Department confirms that inadequate sanitation is a major risk factor for such infections.

For students and young professionals, the implications are several-fold:

• Safety on Campus and the Streets – The new toilets provide a reliable and safe option for women attending colleges, universities, and workplaces, reducing time spent searching for facilities.
• Academic Performance – A reduction in sickness from UTIs translates to fewer missed days of study, potentially improving overall academic outcomes.
• Urban Mobility – With toilets positioned near transit hubs and office clusters, women will experience less interruption to their daily commutes, making public transport more attractive.
• Economic Incentives – The state’s plan includes a “women’s wage wall” at each site, linking the provision of sanitary facilities to gender-balanced hiring practices in local businesses.

International students, many of whom study at leading institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology and University of Mumbai, also stand to gain from improved infrastructure. A survey conducted by the International Students Office in March indicated that 68 % of visiting scholars cited inadequate sanitation as a concern when choosing a host city.

Expert Insights and Tips

Health Policy Analyst Dr. Kavita Rao advises students and professionals alike to remain vigilant. “When using public toilets, it is essential to carry a small refill bottle or hand sanitizer kit, because even well-maintained facilities can occasionally lack soap or functional taps,” she says.

Legal Guardian of Minority Rights, Mr. Rahul Desai, stresses accessibility: “The government’s design plan includes handrails and wheelchair ramps. However, it is advisable for campus security to double-check ramp compliance at each new site.”

Here are additional practical steps to maximize the benefits of the new infrastructure:

• Mark the location of each new toilet on your personal maps or navigation apps to avoid last‑minute searches.
• Register on the City of Mumbai’s official portal to receive notifications about toilets’ maintenance schedules and any temporary closures.
• Maintain a small “sanitation safety kit” in your bag if you travel long distances or have medical sensitivities.
• Support local NGOs that advocate for women’s health by volunteering to help with the upkeep and promotion of the new facilities.

• Social Media Engagement – Use the hashtag #WomenToiletsMumbai to share experiences and feedback, helping authorities keep pace with real‑world usage needs.
• Report violations promptly through the 108 helpline or the official city website to ensure swift rectification.

Looking Ahead

The ten new toilets represent the first milestone in an ambitious roadmap. Government officials have outlined a phased expansion that, by 2030, aims to install 200 toilets across the city, ensuring coverage within a 200‑meter radius for 90 % of households. Key elements of the long‑term strategy include:

• Smart sanitation: Sensors to monitor usage patterns and predict maintenance needs, reducing downtime.
• Waste‑to‑energy: Systems that convert solid waste into biogas for heating or electricity in nearby public buildings.
• Community outreach: Educational programs in schools that teach proper hygiene and the importance of sanitary facilities.
• Data dashboards: Publicly accessible dashboards showcasing real‑time cleanliness scores for each toilet, fostering civic accountability.

Additionally, the state has announced a pilot program in 2026 to install self‑cleaning toilets in three more high‑traffic areas, exploring cutting‑edge technologies that could set a national standard.

In an official statement, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde praised the Lokayukta’s efforts: “Today we take a decisive step toward a more inclusive, hygienic, and empowered Mumbai. These facilities are not just toilets; they are symbols of our commitment to gender parity and public wellbeing.”

In the months ahead, residents can anticipate increased press coverage, community workshops, and potential opportunities for students and professionals to be involved in the ongoing development projects through internships and volunteer initiatives.

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