Women travellers do not have proper access to toilet facilities and it is a nightmare during late evenings and nights. While many of the company owned petrol pumps maintain the toilets properly, the same is not the case with private owned petrol pumps.

Petrol Pumps, Shopping malls, and Hospitals located anywhere including those on the Highways, or at the city centres, etc should be mandated by law to ensure clean and safe access to toilets. The private sector may be permitted to charge a nominal fee for the costs incurred.

This will help our women to feel free to travel, without worrying about hygiene and impact on their health. Universal access to toilets is a basic necessity, to be provided by the state and in a large country like ours, we need collaborative efforts of all stake holders including the private sector. As petrol pumps, shopping centres and hospitals would have sufficient space and are located across the length and breadth, they could be the first to help in this initiative. This should be complemented by CSR efforts and other government initiatives.

It is also equally the responsibility of users to ensure cleanliness and avoid misuse. NGOs can help in spreading the message.

The Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Road transport and Highways, Urban Development and Health need to initiative action. Start with an Instruction/guideline followed by supervision.

Female-friendly public and community toilet access is a priority area