To get stinking toilets at Suburban stations renovated, the Western Railway is using the Repair, Own and Transfer (ROT) scheme under which tenders for toilets of 15 stations will be finalised by February end.

Under the scheme, private parties will renovate existing toilets and own them for 15 years, during which they will maintain and earn money from these, before transferring them to the Railways. According to a senior official, “Tenders for toilets of 15 stations were floated in early 2008. In August 2008, a technical bid was finalised and now, financial bids have been called. After working out the reserve price, tenders will be awarded by February end. Under the plan, toilet blocks will be renovated in 22 locations at 15 stations.’’

The stations where toilet blocks will be repaired are, Mumbai Central(suburban), Mahalaxmi, Lower Parel, Elphistone Road, Matunga Road, Bandra, Khar, Santacruz, Vileparle, Andheri, Jogeshwari, Borivali, Meera Road, Bhayandar and Virar.

At present there are 183 toilets at 28 stations.

Initially, WR did not get a good response to the scheme to renovate toilets. In 2007, tenders for toilets of 20 stations were floated but private parties showed interest in only four stations, Goregon, Kandivali , Vasai and Nallasopara. In April 2008, the tenders were finalised and awarded to different parties.

According to sources, “Work at Goregaon station has started but due to a site change, tenders for Kandivali, Vasai and Nallasopara were invited again. These are in the final stage.”

Shyam Sunder Gupta, Chief Public Relations Officer, Western Railway, said, “Under ROT scheme, tendering for 15 stations is under process. The private parties in question are experienced in the task are expected to handle it professionally. As they are investing so much money for 15 years, passengers who use these toilets will get good services.”

Under the scheme, they can charge users as per railway board rules. “There will no charge for using the urinal. Rs 2 will be charged for other uses,” added Gupta.