(a) whether there are a large number of stations lacking community and separate toilets for men and women under the North Central railway zone;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is considering to build toilets at these stations under the PPP model; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a) & (b): As per norms of Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA), stations falling ‘A1’, ‘A’, ‘B’ ‘C’ & ‘D’ category, which cater to major segment of passenger traffic, qualify for more than one toilet at stations, and therefore separate toilet facilities for women and men are feasible at such stations. As per norms of MEA, ‘E’ category stations qualify for only one toilet. Further, ‘F’ category(Halt) stations are not provided toilet facility as per norms as halt stations are not continuously manned and generally have watering facility in form of hand pumps. Accordingly, separate toilet for men and women are available as per norms at all ‘A1’, ‘A’, ‘B’ & ‘D’ category stations on North Central Railway. There is no ‘C’ category station on North Central Railway.
(c) & (d): Operation of public toilets, both deluxe and normal, with ladies and gents units, is also planned through Public Private – Partnership (PPP) model by the interested firms on ‘Pay & Use’ basis. Zonal Railways are awarding contract(s) for operation & maintenance, including cleanliness of such toilets at various stations including those of North Central Railway.
*****