Bhopal's City Bus Operator Pivots to Smart Washrooms as Fleet Stalls
Bhopal City Link Limited, the city's bus operator, is making a strategic shift. After its earlier 'She Lounge' initiative failed to gain traction, BCLL is now focusing on smart washrooms. This move comes at a critical time. About two-thirds of the company's bus fleet currently remains grounded.
Details of the Smart Washroom Proposal
The company has proposed developing 10 smart washroom complexes across Bhopal. These facilities will include waiting lounges and will be located at prime spots. Targeted locations include hospitals and bus stops. BCLL plans to execute this project under a public-private partnership model. The initial contract period is set for 10 years, with an option to extend by two more years.
Each site will utilize 600 square feet of land. The space allocation is specific. Four hundred square feet will be dedicated to toilets and lounges. Another 200 square feet will house commercial kiosks. Additionally, the plan includes 400 square feet of advertising space at each location. BCLL has set a minimum annual revenue target of Rs 23.33 lakh across all sites combined.
Features and Revenue Model
The proposed toilets promise several amenities. They will be free for public use. Facilities will include CCTV surveillance for security. Sanitary napkin vending machines and hand dryers will be installed. The design also incorporates accessibility features for persons with disabilities.
Revenue generation is a key component of the plan. The kiosks are intended to host businesses like cafés or pharmacies. However, sales of tobacco and alcohol will be strictly prohibited. The advertising space forms another revenue stream. Company officials pitch this initiative as a necessary measure to boost finances. This is particularly relevant following the rollout of electric buses in Bhopal this year.
Official Responses and Concerns
Reactions from city officials have been mixed. Manoj Rathore, the BMC Mayor-in-Council member for transport, stated he has not been formally briefed on the plan. He referenced two previous PPP restroom projects that deviated from their original women-only purpose. Rathore also noted that BCLL faces an imminent merger into a new transport authority.
Pramod Malviya, an executive engineer with BMC, provided clarification. He mentioned that only a preliminary drawing has surfaced so far. No formal approval has been granted. Sites like the 1250 Hospital and ISBT parking area are still tentative, according to another BCLL official.
Criticism from Opposition and Activists
The proposal has attracted criticism from various quarters. Sabista Zaki, the BMC leader of opposition, raised several points. She emphasized that the project involves BMC land. Therefore, it should be presented before the Mayor-in-Council and the municipal council for proper scrutiny.
Zaki highlighted a specific concern regarding one proposed site. The location at Sair Sapata is currently subject to environmental concerns. These matters are pending before the National Green Tribunal. She clarified that the land there falls under the jurisdiction of the Capital Project Administration, not the BMC. Zaki also pointed out that proposals under the Swachh Bharat Mission typically require BMC approval.
Environmental activists have joined opposition leaders in expressing doubts. They question the prioritization and land use for this project, especially given the ongoing operational challenges with the bus fleet.
