RailEnquiry

MUMBAI: The Indian Railways have come out with a new policy to give a makeover to dilapidated and untidy toilets at stations by introducing Renovate, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (ROMT) concept.As per the policy issued by the Railway Board, the selection of the agency under ROMT of Pay and Use toilet facility will have to be done by calling the Express of Interest.A senior railway official said, "The agency will have to use good quality ceramic flooring, besides providing at least one European style toilet, adequate exhaust fans to ensure proper air circulation for removing foul smell. It should also make arrangement for disabled friendly toilet."The lay out plan for renovated unit should be approved from the railways. The plan should also show disposal or sewage and sullage drains and electrical wiring and fittings.The agency will have ensure mechanical scrubbing and polishing of floor surface of the toilet, use anti-odour materials and prevent encroachment in and around the toilet premises.The official said, "The service provider will be allowed to charge the passenger/users Rs 2 for using latrine and Rs 5 for using bathroom. However, no charge will be levied for urinals. However at 'C' category (suburban) stations, zonal railways may consider with the approval of General Manager to levy a charge of Rs 1 for urinals where maintenance of toilet is found to unviable."If the service provider fails to provide desired level of cleanliness, a fine ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 2000 will be levied, he added.