Patna: In a move aimed at improving sanitation infrastructure and public convenience, Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sulabh International Social Service Organisation for the operation and maintenance of 19 public toilets across the city.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Mayor Sita Sahu, Deputy Mayor Reshmi Chandravanshi, members of the standing committee and senior officials from both organisations.
Under the arrangement, Sulabh International will take charge of the daily management, operation and maintenance of the modern public toilet units built by PMC under its “Chakachak Patna” initiative.
Public use to remain free
PMC said all 19 facilities will remain free for public use, with no user charges to be collected.
Officials said the move is intended to make safe and hygienic sanitation facilities accessible to all sections of society, particularly in busy public areas.
The agreement is valid for three years.
Under the terms, PMC will pay Rs. 44,000 per month per toilet to Sulabh International for maintenance and operational costs. Electricity bills for the facilities will also be borne by the civic body.
Operating hours fixed across seasons
To streamline public access, PMC has also notified operational timings for the facilities.
From March to September, the toilets will function daily from 5am to 10pm.
From October to February, the operating hours will be 6am to 9pm.
One facility near Patna Junction Golambar will remain operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, considering high passenger movement in the area.
Facilities spread across multiple city zones
The public toilets are located across several administrative divisions of the city, including Bankipur, Nutan Rajdhani, Pataliputra, Kankarbagh and Patna City.
Key locations include Kadamkuan vending zone, Patna zoo, Airport Golambar, Veerchand Patel Path, Patna High Court, Rajapur Pul, Biskoman Bhawan, Mithapur flyover and Malasalami Sabzi Mandi, among others.
Officials said the locations were selected based on footfall and public need.
Civic body says focus remains on sanitation
Mayor Sita Sahu said expanding sanitation services and improving civic facilities remained among PMC’s priorities.
She said partnering with an experienced organisation such as Sulabh could help improve upkeep standards and strengthen the city’s sanitation framework.
Deputy Mayor Reshmi Chandravanshi said the initiative could also contribute to greater public awareness around cleanliness and hygiene in shared spaces.
Officials from PMC and Sulabh present
The event was attended by members of the standing committee, senior PMC officials, including the additional municipal commissioner, deputy municipal commissioner and chief municipal engineer, as well as representatives from Sulabh International.
PMC said the arrangement forms part of its wider effort to improve urban sanitation infrastructure and public service delivery across Patna.
