For 52-year-old Mahadevan, a diabetic commuter from Kadambattur, the paid toilet at Moore Market Complex (MMC) suburban station in Chennai was a necessity after his daily train journey. However, for the past month, he has often found the facility locked with a notice reading ‘Under Maintenance’.
High Passenger Volume, Limited Facilities
Approximately 10.3 lakh passengers use this suburban station every month. Yet, there is only one paid washroom on the terminal premises, and it is being closed for several hours a day now. Passengers complain that no temporary toilet facilities have been provided.
MMC suburban station, located next to Central Station, serves as a major transit point for passengers arriving from the city’s western suburbs and Tiruvallur district. It is also an important multimodal transport hub connecting suburban rail, metro rail, and bus services.
Passenger Associations Voice Concerns
M Shankar of Tiruvallur Rail Passengers Association, who travels daily from Egattur to Thirumayilai, said he depends on the station restroom because suburban trains lack toilet facilities. “From around 10am to 11.30am and other peak hours, the washroom remains closed with a maintenance notice,” he said.
T Sadagopan, president of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Welfare Association and a regular commuter, said the railways privatised the maintenance of toilets and station cleaning. “Maintenance work can be carried out during night hours. No alternative toilet facilities have been arranged. As a result, passengers are forced to walk long distances to the express railway terminal or the metro station to use a restroom,” he added.
Railway Response
Responding to the complaints, railway officials said passengers can report such issues through Railway Helpline 139. “Whenever such complaints are received, immediate action will be taken against the private contractor concerned,” an official stated.
This recurring issue highlights the need for better sanitation facilities at major transit points, especially for the millions of daily commuters who rely on suburban rail services.
