In a move toward inclusivity, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has inaugurated two gender-inclusive public toilets near Pune Railway Station, specifically designed for the transgender community. This marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing demand for safe and accessible sanitation facilities for transgender individuals in the city.
Located opposite Jehangir Hospital and near the road leading from Pune Railway Station, the new facilities were constructed following persistent efforts by transgender activists and community members. The toilets form a part of a broader PMC plan to build 20 more such facilities across the city, designed to be inclusive and maintained with regular cleaning and upkeep, similar to other public restrooms.
Kadambari Sheikh, a member of the transgender community, expressed relief and pride at the development. "Under the leadership of Amrapali Mohite, for the last three years, we have been knocking on the PMC’s doors, pushing for separate transgender toilets. It is not just about the toilets, but about dignity and recognition. Finally, we have a space where we can feel safe,” she said.
Despite the Maharashtra government's directive mandating such facilities in public offices, the lack of dedicated transgender toilets has been a persistent challenge in Pune. Priya Patil, transgender activist and manager at Kinnar Maa Trust, Mumbai, highlighted the daily struggles faced by the community. “Without dedicated toilets, transgenders are forced to choose between male or female restrooms, where we often face discomfort or hostility. This development may appear small, but is definitely a crucial step toward making public spaces truly inclusive,” she said.
“This isn’t just about building toilets; it’s about acknowledging the transgender community’s right to exist in public spaces without fear or discrimination. The PMC’s move sets a precedent, but we need consistent implementation across all public areas,” Patil added.
Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Municipal Commissioner of the PMC’s Solid Waste Management Department, confirmed the civic body’s commitment to making public offices inclusive with such facilities. "Of all the sanctioned 15 aspirational toilets, nine toilets have been completed, and five more are under construction." We are planning to construct five VIP toilets at the entry point of Pune city, to address the issue of inclusivity and accessibility of public spaces for transgenders. This is part of our effort to make the city more accessible,” he said.
Kadamabari added, "There is a need for many such gender neutral toilets in proportion to the population of transgender community in the city." For now, the transgender community is welcoming this hard-won achievement. “But we won’t stop until every transgender person in Pune can access public spaces with the same ease and respect as anyone else,” she remarked.
The Parliament had passed The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which aims to protect the rights of transgender individuals and ensure their well-being and has created the National Council for Transgender Persons as an advisory body to the Central Government on the creation of transgender-related policies and legislation.
The PMC’s initiative, a step forward, underscores the need for sustained efforts to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all communities in Pune’s public infrastructure.
