Bengaluru: One in every four public toilets audited across Bengaluru was found non-functional, while a majority failed basic standards of cleanliness, accessibility and safety, according to a citywide assessment released by Bangalore Political Action Committee (BPAC) on Wednesday.Basic amenities were also found wanting. Water was available in only 56 of the 105 functioning toilets, while none of the facilities surveyed had soap dispensers, hand wash, sanitary napkins or dustbins. Nearly 95% of facilities are inaccessible to persons with disabilities, the report said.The Bengaluru Public Toilet Audit 2026 assessed 142 public toilets across Central, North, South and West corporations in April and May. The survey found 37 toilets, or 26%, were completely non-functional, leaving only 105 operational facilities for public use. The report noted that Bengaluru, with a population exceeding 1.4 crore, has only around 800-900 public toilets, with 479 officially listed under Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).The findings reveal widespread deficiencies even among functioning toilets. Nearly 58% of operational facilities had persistent foul odour, indicating poor maintenance and inadequate cleaning. Around 44% lacked adequate lighting, raising concerns about user safety, particularly for women using the facilities after dark.Accessibility emerged as one of the most serious gaps. Only nine of the 105 functional toilets had ramps, and just seven had accessible toilet units, leaving nearly 94% of facilities inaccessible to persons with disabilities. The report said this reflected poor compliance with accessibility norms mandated under national regulations.The audit further noted the absence of maintenance logs and caretaker information in most locations, making accountability difficult.Calling public toilets a fundamental urban service, BPAC said the city’s sanitation challenge is no longer about merely constructing more facilities but ensuring that existing infrastructure remains functional, safe and inclusive. The organisation has recommended an emergency repair drive for all 37 non-functional toilets, retrofitting of facilities for persons with disabilities, improved lighting, assured water supply and a shift towards long-term operation and maintenance contracts.The report urged the govt and GBA to plan for more than 1,000 additional public toilets across Bengaluru, particularly in transit hubs, markets, parks, construction zones and other high-footfall locations.Raghavendra HS, from BPAC, said, “We have approached Karee Gowda, CEO of Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML), and have sought to revive the damaged public toilets, and make the once-accessible ones which are already existing. We have also asked them to take up building more public washrooms so that the open urination is avoided for a clean Bengaluru.”
