“Cattle sheds are better than our restrooms,” said managing director S B Patil, agreeing that the working conditions were poor. “However, we are not in an immediate position to build them for our employees. We have a long relation with these companies, so it is likely that they will do it for us. In principal we have got approval from these companies. They have agreed for infrastructure like air conditioned rooms, and drinking water facilities,” said Patil.

In November, factory inspection of PMPML depots revealed lack of cleanliness in bathrooms, no first aid boxes, and faulty drainage, leaking roofs, paint peeling off windows and doors and weak structure. With a specific list drawn up for the benefit of the companies, each restroom is expected to cost the company up to eight lakh.

“We are beginning with three depots - Nigdi, Hadapsar and Katraj. Once these get underway, we will look at the other depots,” said an official from the engineering department.

Out of the Rs 400 crore budget last year, the company spent Rs 200 crore on buses and buying of spare parts. The PMPML is not expecting Telco, Ashok Leyland, and Eicher to refuse its request.

A representative from Ashok Leyland said that the proposal from PMPML had been forwarded to its head quarters in Chennai and was under consideration.