Toilet 2.0 - FAQs
Planning for Public Toilets
1What is the objective of Public and Community Toilets, under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM 2.0)?
The objective of Community Toilets (CTs) and Public Toilets (PTs) under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0 is to ensure access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities for all urban residents, particularly those who lack space for individual household toilets or those who require public sanitation facilities in specific areas.
2What is the difference between Public Toilets and Community Toilets?
Community toilets (CT) facility is a shared facility provided for a defined group of residents or an entire settlement / community. It is normally located in or near the community area and used by almost community members, whereas public toilets (PT) facility are provided for the floating population / general public in places such as markets, train stations or other public areas and used by mostly undefined users.
3What are the different categories of public toilets?
Public toilets are categorised into six types based on their location and typical users to help ULBs plan, design, and manage them effectively – Transit Area Toilets, Institutional Area Toilets, Market Area Toilets, Public Space Toilets, Community Toilets and Event-Linked Toilets. Refer Table 1.1. Categorization of Public Toilets in Guidelines on Public and Community Toilets, 2025
4What is the average cost of constructing a toilet seat/ urinal?
Average cost of per WC in a PT / CT facility varies considerably depending on local schedule of rates, market rates, specifications, treatment technology for wastes and site condition. However, as per the SBM guidelines, tentative basic cost for PT / CT facility is Rs. 1,50,000/- per seat and urinal is Rs. 32,000/- per seat, with 40% VGF from GoI, State assistance will be atleast 1/3 of GoI’s assistance.
5How do I know if my town needs more public toilets?
ULBs can assess the need for more public toilets by comparing the number of functional toilet seats with the floating population, which is typically 5–10% of the city’s total population, or higher in tourist towns. This helps in preliminary planning for budgets and city sanitation plans. For community toilets, a household-level survey in areas without private toilets is essential to estimate demand. This city-level demand assessment should then be followed by a spatial assessment to decide where toilets are actually needed based on footfall patterns.
6What are Aspirational Toilets, and where should they be located?
Aspirational Toilets (ATs) are an improved version of public toilets that focus on better design, local materials, cultural identity, user comfort, environmental sustainability, and smart technology for easy operations and maintenance.
They should be set up in high-visibility, high-footfall areas like transit hubs, markets, tourist places, parks, riverfronts, and public offices. Co-locating with food kiosks, vending zones, or seating areas is also encouraged for better usage and community ownership. Refer 2.2.3 of Guidelines on Public and Community Toilets, 2025
7What are the key features of an ‘Aspirational Toilets’?
Aspirational Toilets combine local architecture, cultural elements, and community participation with universal accessibility for PwD, transgender persons, elderly, and baby care needs and gender-sensitive features. These toilets incorporate smart technologies like sensor-based fixtures, occupancy indicators, automated doors, and feedback systems to improve user experience and maintenance. They follow sustainable practices such as solar energy, treated water reuse, rainwater harvesting, and waste segregation. Safety is ensured through CCTV, emergency call buttons, and use of durable, anti-vandalism materials. Digital displays, user guidance, and visibility on toilet locator apps further enhance convenience and accessibility. The detailed features of an aspirational toilet can be explored at Table 3.8 Aspirational Toilet– Additional Design Features for Implementation Guidelines on Public and Community Toilets, 2025
8What is the cost implication of building an Aspirational Toilet compared to a regular one? What funding sources are available for developing Aspirational Toilets?
Aspirational Toilets typically have a higher upfront cost compared to regular public or community toilets due to enhanced design, use of local materials, accessibility features, smart technologies, and sustainable components. However, these investments aim to reduce long-term operational costs, improve user satisfaction, and ensure better upkeep through community ownership and durable materials. The unit cost for constructing an Aspirational Public or Community Toilet is ₹2.5 lakhs per seat, as per SBM-U 2.0 guidelines.
Funding can be mobilized through a mix of sources, including SBM 2.0 funds, CSR contributions, State government schemes, public-private partnerships (PPP), and local body funds.
Siting
1How should ULBs identify suitable locations for new public and aspirational toilets?
ULBs should conduct a spatial demand assessment by analysing three key factors: seat utilisation of existing toilets to identify overused facilities that need expansion, mapping high-activity areas such as transit hubs, markets, parks, and tourist spots where demand is naturally high, and identifying open defecation or urination hotspots, if any, to address gaps in sanitation coverage. By overlaying this information on a GIS platform with a 500-meter walkability buffer, ULBs can accurately identify underserved areas and select suitable locations for new public or aspirational toilets. Refer Section 2.1 of Guidelines on Public and Community Toilets, 2025
2What is the recommended order of priority for selecting land for toilets?
The prioritisation of land must be in following manner : ULB/ Government land > Land in public open spaces > Land adjoining road > Land under flyover > Land in public utility areas > Land beneath hoardings > Private Land Refer Section 2.2.2 of Guidelines on Public and Community Toilets, 2025
3Can toilets be built on private land? What are the conditions?
Yes, toilets can be built on private land, but only when no suitable government or public land is available. ULBs may acquire vacant or underutilized private plots, those where owners have been paying vacant land tax for more than 3 years without development.
4How do I size a new public toilet?
Sizing should be based on the local footfall at the site. ULBs can use methods like traffic volume counts, sensor-based tracking, or footfall surveys at high-demand areas like markets, transit hubs, and public spaces.
If a detailed footfall study isn’t possible, follow the standard norms by CPHEEO:
- For Public Toilets, 1 WC per 100 men (up to 400) and 1 per 250 beyond that, and 2 WCs per 100 women (up to 200) and 1 per 100 beyond that. Include 1 urinal for every 50 men and washbasins equal to the number of WCs/urinals.
- For Community Toilets, plan 1 seat per 35 men and 1 per 25 women, with bath units (1 per 50 users), urinals (1 per 200–300), and a clothes washing area.Refer Section 2.2.4 of Guidelines on Public and Community Toilets, 2025
5Are there any policy provisions that allow toilet placement on unregistered land, footpaths, or transport hubs?
Yes, toilets can be placed on spaces like footpaths, land under flyovers, transport hubs, or other unregistered government lands, provided they are under the management or control of a public authority (such as the ULB, transport department, or urban development authority).The SBM-U 2.0 Operational Guidelines recommend prioritizing public spaces like road margins, footpaths, land adjoining roads, land under flyovers, and utility areas when ULB or government land is not directly available. However, necessary approvals or permissions must be obtained from the respective authority managing that land (e.g., Railways, Transport Department, National Highways Authority, etc.).
Finance and Budgeting
1How much does it cost to construct a standard public toilet?
Average cost of per WC in a PT / CT facility varies considerably depending on local schedule of rates, market rates, specifications, treatment technology for wastes and site condition. However, as per the SBM guidelines, tentative basic cost for PT / CT facility is Rs. 1,50,000/- per seat and urinal is Rs. 32,000/- per seat, with 40% VGF from GoI, State assistance will be atleast 1/3 of GoI’s assistance.
2How much does it cost to operate and maintain a toilet annually?
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3How should ULBs budget for toilet O&M?
ULBs should prepare an O&M budget based on: Per-seat annual cost estimates, Number of seats and user footfall, Costs for water, electricity, desludging, cleaning supplies and consumables, caretakers, repairs, and waste management and revenue expected from user fees, advertisements, kiosks, or CSR, with municipal funds covering any gaps.
4How can ULBs financially sustain toilet operations and maintenance?
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5Should ULBs charge users for public toilets? How should fees be determined?
ULBs are encouraged to levy user charges for public toilets, particularly in high-footfall areas, to support operations and maintenance. Fees should be reasonable and determined based on factors like location, facility type (regular or aspirational), operational costs, and affordability for users. While ensuring financial sustainability, ULBs must also safeguard equitable access by offering free usage or subsidies for vulnerable groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.
6What are the revenue options and cross-subsidization models to sustain public toilets?
To sustain public and community toilets, ULBs can adopt multiple revenue streams. These include user fees, especially effective in high-footfall areas, and advertisements placed on or around the toilet infrastructure. Additional income can be generated by renting out space within the toilet complex for small shops, ATMs, or kiosks, or by allowing vending kiosks nearby, which not only supports O&M costs but also improves footfall and safety. ULBs may also pay a fixed monthly fee to operators where direct revenues are insufficient. Furthermore, CSR contributions from private companies offer significant support, particularly for community-focused facilities. In some areas, especially for community toilets, a monthly user fee collected from regular users helps cover maintenance costs. A mix of these models, tailored to the location and demand, ensures financial viability while keeping the toilets accessible and well-maintained. (Case Studies- HUL, Suvidha)
7How should ULBs deal with defunct toilets?
If a toilet is no longer feasible or needed at its current location, ULBs are encouraged to repurpose the space for community-beneficial uses such as green spaces, water ATMs, vending zones, seating areas, or pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
8How can ULBs mobilize finance to upgrade an existing toilet?
Under SBM-U 2.0 operational guidelines, ULBs can access funds for both construction and upgradation of toilets. For upgrading dysfunctional toilets, up to 50% of the new construction cost can be used. If a toilet is dilapidated or structurally weak ( those built before 2014), ULBs can fully reconstruct it at the same site using SBM funds. MoHUA guidelines for upgradation of Community/ Public Toilet
Monitoring
1How can ULBs monitor public toilet performance? What tools or service level indicators should be used?
ULBs should establish a formal asset management and monitoring system for public and community toilets. This starts with creating a comprehensive asset inventory, including details on infrastructure, water and power supply, waste management, and accessibility. Each toilet should be assigned a unique ID and a public Toilet Report Card, updated every two years. Refer Section 5.6 and 5.7 of Guidelines on Public and Community Toilets, 2025 (cross-referencing to be done)
- Regular service monitoring should be carried out at least once every two weeks using a standardized weekly checklist. Tools like Google Forms, KOBO, QField, or SurveyMonkey can be used to streamline inspections and generate compliance reports in real-time.
- Additionally, national platforms like Swachh Survekshan, and state-led monitoring systems like the Swachhatam Portal, play a key role in tracking service quality. Indicators should cover cleanliness, availability of water and power, maintenance, user satisfaction, structural integrity, and adherence to service-level agreements (SLAs).
2How can we ensure citizen feedback mechanisms are in place and functional?
ULBs should implement a digital feedback system at every public toilet using tools like QR codes, helpline numbers, mobile apps, or touch panels, allowing users to report issues related to cleanliness, maintenance, or safety. This should be supported by physical feedback options like suggestion boxes and complaint registers. To ensure the system remains functional, ULBs must link it with a grievance redressal process, monitor it regularly, and conduct periodic user satisfaction surveys. Display boards with hygiene ratings and real-time feedback updates further improve transparency and accountability, helping drive service improvements.
3What digital tools, IoT solutions, and dashboards are available for toilet upkeep?
Refer Section 5.7 of Guidelines on Public and Community Toilets, 2025
4How, and how often, should ULBs update their public toilet inventory?
The comprehensive asset inventory of all public and community toilets should be geo-tagged and linked to platforms like the Swachhatam Portal or Google Toilet Locator.
The inventory should be updated at least once every two years, or more frequently if there are significant changes like new construction, upgradation, or demolition of toilet blocks.
5What role do ULB officials and sanitation staff play in toilet operations?
ULBs are responsible for the entire lifecycle of public and community toilets, from planning to daily operations. This includes conducting a toilet inventory every two years, mapping all facilities on platforms like the My Toilet App, and identifying suitable locations based on demand. They are tasked with mobilizing funds through grants, CSR, or private partnerships, and ensuring toilets are constructed, operated, and maintained either directly or through contractors. ULBs must ensure clear contracts, define roles for caretakers and supervisors, set up grievance redressal and feedback systems, and conduct regular monitoring, at least monthly. They also ensure directional signage, visibility, and user awareness campaigns to improve usage, upkeep, and community ownership. Where needed, ULBs may provide O&M support to ensure toilets remain clean, safe, and functional.
User Behaviour
1How can ULBs encourage people to use public toilets responsibly?
ULBs can promote responsible toilet use through behavioural IEC campaigns, community engagement, and clear signage inside toilets. This includes creating awareness about toilet locations, promoting hygiene practices like flushing after use, respecting sanitation workers, and discouraging vandalism. Tools like QR code-based feedback, public grievance mechanisms, and targeted programs for women, vendors, and school children also help build a culture of cleanliness. Refer Section 7.2 of Guidelines on Public and Community Toilets, 2025
- Regular service monitoring should be carried out at least once every two weeks using a standardized weekly checklist. Tools like Google Forms, KOBO, QField, or SurveyMonkey can be used to streamline inspections and generate compliance reports in real-time.
- Additionally, national platforms like Swachh Survekshan, and state-led monitoring systems like the Swachhatam Portal, play a key role in tracking service quality. Indicators should cover cleanliness, availability of water and power, maintenance, user satisfaction, structural integrity, and adherence to service-level agreements (SLAs).
2How can ULBs prevent vandalism in public and community toilets?
cameras at entry, exit, and common areas greatly enhances surveillance and deters misuse. Toilets should be designed with tamper-resistant materials, anti-graffiti coatings, and vandal-proof fixtures like steel mirrors and sensor-based taps. During non-operational hours, the facility must be secured by locking doors, windows, and entry gates using strong locks or deadbolts to restrict unauthorised access. Further, ensuring adequate lighting, creating visibility from the main road, and placing toilets in locations with natural surveillance (like near food stalls, kiosks, or public spaces) reduces the chances of misuse. Appointing full time caretakers in busy areas and displaying behavioral signage, such as toilet rules on user behaviour, penalties also promotes accountability. Refer Section 2.4.6 of Guidelines on Public and Community Toilets, 2025
3How can ULBs ensure toilets are mapped and visible to users?
ULBs must ensure all public, community, and urinal facilities are geo-tagged and updated on the SBM Google Toilet Locator and My Toilet App, with details like photos, operational hours, and accessibility features. Toilets should be marked with standard color codes—pink for women-friendly, blue for child-inclusive, green for aspirational, and magenta for 24x7 with caretaker—both digitally and physically on-site. ULBs should run regular campaigns to promote these apps, install QR codes linking to nearby toilets, and update data quarterly. Refer Section 7.1 of Guidelines on Public and Community Toilets, 2025
4What campaigns or nudges can change user behaviour?
ULBs can improve toilet usage behaviour by combining awareness, visibility, and simple reminders. This includes making toilets easy to find through mapping apps and proper directional signage, ensuring people know where facilities are located. Regular community engagement through street plays, local meetings, and outreach in high-footfall areas can build a sense of responsibility. Clear messages inside toilets like reminders to flush, keep the space clean, and use water responsibly help reinforce good habits.
5How can citizens be involved in monitoring or maintaining community toilets?
Citizens can be engaged through RWAs, SHGs, local volunteers, and NGOs to monitor cleanliness, report issues via QR codes or helplines, and support upkeep. Community ownership through feedback systems, awareness drives, and monitoring committees helps improve maintenance and accountability.
Technology & Innovation
1How can we map toilets on Google Maps or the Swachhatam Portal?
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2Can IoT or smart sensors improve monitoring and maintenance?
Yes, IoT and smart sensors can significantly improve toilet monitoring and maintenance. Sensors can track footfall, occupancy status, water usage, waste levels, and cleaning schedules in real time. This helps ULBs ensure timely cleaning, detect breakdowns or water shortages, and improve service delivery. Smart displays can show “Vacant,” “In Use,” or “Cleaning in Progress” statuses to users, enhancing user experience. Data from these systems supports better decision-making, optimises O&M costs, and improves accountability.
3What are climate-smart or green toilet features we can include?
power lighting, fans, and smart systems, and rainwater harvesting systems to reduce freshwater usage for flushing and cleaning. Toilets can also use treated greywater or wastewater for non-potable purposes like flushing. Water-efficient fixtures such as sensor-based taps, dual flush cisterns, and low-flow fittings help conserve water. Green roofs can be added for insulation and to reduce the urban heat effect. Additionally, providing proper waste management systems, including bins for segregation and sanitary napkin incinerators, supports hygiene and waste reduction. Smart features like ventilation systems, occupancy sensors, and feedback mechanisms can further improve energy efficiency and operational management. Including these elements not only makes the toilet environmentally friendly but also enhances cost-effectiveness, climate resilience, and the overall user experience.
4What examples exist of zero-discharge or waterless toilet models?
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5How can solar energy be used to run public toilets?
Solar panels installed on the rooftop or nearby open spaces can generate electricity to run lighting, exhaust fans, ventilation systems, water pumps, sensor-based fixtures, occupancy indicators, and charging points.
6How should ULBs manage black water generated in public toilets?
ULBs should ensure that black water from public toilets is managed safely to prevent environmental pollution and health risks. Wherever possible, toilets should be connected to the underground sewerage network. In areas without sewer connections, ULBs should provide properly designed septic tanks or bio-digesters with regular desludging services. The collected faecal sludge must be transported to a Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) or a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for safe treatment and disposal.