PMC to Build 100 New Women’s Toilets Across Pune to Improve Public Sanitation

Pune Municipal Corporation plans to construct 100 new public toilets for women citywide to improve sanitation and accessibility amid rising demand.

Pune | 28 March, 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct 100 new public toilets for women across the city, a major initiative aimed at addressing growing concerns about sanitation, accessibility, and safety for women in public spaces. This announcement forms part of the civic body’s broader efforts to enhance urban amenities and respond to long-standing public demand for better sanitation infrastructure, particularly for women, according to civic officials.

The proposal was highlighted by PMC Standing Committee Chairman Shreenath Bhimale as part of the corporation’s expanded focus on improving facilities for women in Pune. Officials noted that the city’s population boom and increasing footfall in commercial areas, markets, transit hubs and recreational zones have underscored the need for dedicated, clean, and accessible toilets for women — beyond the existing limited number of facilities.

In many parts of Pune, especially in busy neighbourhoods and older market districts, women often struggle to find clean public toilets. Maintenance issues with existing toilets — such as water shortages, damaged fixtures, and lack of proper upkeep — have been raised repeatedly by residents and civic activists, who argue that sanitation facilities must be both adequate and reliable. Previous surveys and citizen feedback highlighted that while Pune performs well in overall cleanliness surveys, the state of some public toilets remains a concern for women and elderly users alike.

Under the new plan, 100 new toilets dedicated to women will be constructed across strategic locations in the city. These facilities are expected to be fully accessible, with attention to hygiene, safety, and proper maintenance. PMC officials said that the project will include long-term maintenance provisions, potentially through contractual arrangements that ensure regular cleaning, water supply, and upkeep — an improvement over past experiences where facilities quickly fell into disrepair.

The push for expanded public sanitation infrastructure aligns with other civic initiatives announced in the recent PMC budget, which emphasised increased spending on public utilities and women-centric services. Besides public toilets, the corporation has also committed to establishing “Pink Rooms” in municipal schools — designated safe spaces for girls — and upgrading other amenities to enhance women’s comfort and safety across the city.

Residents and activists have cautiously welcomed the announcement, though some stress that the success of the project will hinge on execution. Civic campaigners have pointed out that past investments — including so-called smart toilets with advanced technology — sometimes fell short due to inadequate maintenance and responsiveness to public needs. Therefore, they argue, the new toilets must be planned with robust operation and maintenance strategies, focusing on cleanliness, water supply, security, and privacy, especially in densely populated areas, market streets, parks and transport hubs.

Women commuters, shoppers, students and professionals in Pune have previously voiced strong demand for improved sanitation facilities as part of broader conversations around urban inclusivity and safety. Reliable public toilets not only support basic hygiene but also promote women’s mobility and participation in city life, allowing them to spend more time in public areas without fear or discomfort.

The PMC’s plan — to build 100 toilets exclusively for women — reflects a strategic response to these concerns. Officials emphasised that the new facilities would help reduce the burden on existing toilets, improve sanitation conditions citywide, and contribute to a more inclusive urban environment. Construction timelines and location details are expected to be shared by the civic body in the coming weeks once site surveys and budget allocations are finalised.

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