People complained that though entry is free, they have to pay Rs 2 each time they visit the bathroom — which officials said it’s run by the railways — between 7 pm and 7 am. People at the shelter said they paid Rs 6 till a few days ago — this amount covered everything, including blankets and use of toilet.

But each visit to the washroom now costs Rs 2, and after 7 am, it’s Rs 3 for using the toilet and Rs 5 for taking bath.

“We have to pay even if it’s a minute past 7 am,” said a man using the shelter.

Caretakers reasoned that people who did not sleep at the shelter also used the toilet, so they now stamp hands of those using the shelter — to give them free access. Others have to pay the required amount, caretakers said. But those at the shelter said they had to pay even if they were sleeping at the night shelter.

Slum and JJ department officials in MCD agreed there is a problem. “The toilet is run by railways and now, with the entry being free, the source of fund has dried up,” a senior official said. “The NGO is perhaps in no position to ensure free use of railways’ toilet.”