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Question about paid use of toilets at metro stations: what do the rules say?
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Aaj Tak
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Question about paid use of toilets at metro stations: what do the rules say?

When visiting the metro system, if there is a need to use a toilet at a station, passengers may be required to pay 5 rupees. Many consider this charge for using the toilet improper and question the legality of this practice.

This issue was previously raised in parliament. In 2023, a question was asked in the Rajya Sabha of the State regarding the amenities provided for Delhi Metro passengers. An explanation was sought as to why passengers who pay for their travel are not provided with free access to toilets at the stations.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in response to the query in the Rajya Sabha, clarified that the toilet services at Delhi Metro stations are provided on a payment basis through an outsourcing company. Thus, the official response from the metro confirms that there is a payment system for toilet use, and the fee for its use is not illegal.

Earlier, in 2020, the Delhi High Court also mentioned this system. DMRC informed the court that the toilets at the stations are managed by agencies such as Sulabh International, and a small amount is collected to maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of the toilets.

Despite this, some citizens continue to dispute why DMRC does not provide this service for free. Parliament clarified that there are no provisions obligating the Delhi Metro to provide toilets at stations absolutely free of charge. The government specified that the decision on providing free water and toilets falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant metro administration. According to the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, DMRC is not obligated to ensure the availability of free toilets at stations.

Although it has become clear that one will have to pay for toilet use, the question remains as to how much exactly needs to be paid according to the rules. It should be noted that DMRC has not established fixed tariffs. However, the tariffs indicated on information boards are the amounts that passengers must pay. For example, 2 rupees are charged for using urinals, and 5 rupees for a toilet. Recently, DMRC announced on its X account that the same amounts listed on the boards apply, with various tariffs.

It is also important to know that if a person suddenly feels very unwell and has no money, they can use the station staff's toilet for free.

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The reason for placing a towel on the toilet seat in hotels: an explanation of its use
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www.aajtak.in

The reason for placing a towel on the toilet seat in hotels: an explanation of its use

When people travel, they often choose high-class hotels, delighting in the cleanliness and shine of the rooms. However, upon entering the bathroom, a towel placed on the toilet seat is sometimes noticeable. A natural question arises: why is this done—for cleaning, for drying feet, or is it simply a decorative element?

Many travelers feel confused about this towel on the toilet. This information is intended to dispel these doubts and explain why many hotel bathrooms place a towel in this manner.

In fact, this is not an ordinary towel, but a bath mat, which is intended for use underfoot after exiting the shower. The question arises: why is it placed specifically on the toilet if it is supposed to be used on the floor?

Often, hotel bathrooms lack space to place a bath mat separately, especially if there is no bathtub or other suitable area near the shower. In such cases, hotel staff places the bath mat on the toilet lid.

The main purpose of this thick towel becomes apparent after taking a shower. After bathing, water drips from the feet, making the tiled floor wet. The bath mat laid on the floor absorbs this water, thereby reducing the risk of slipping on the wet floor.

In a hotel, hand and body towels are usually neatly organized in one place. The separate placement of the bath mat serves another purpose: so that the guest does not confuse it with a body towel. Thus, the placement on the toilet can be a simple way to indicate to the guest that this towel is intended for the floor.

An interesting question also arises: if the bath mat is meant for the floor, why does the hotel staff place it on an already wet floor? The reason lies in the room cleaning process. When cleaning is performed, the bathroom floor may be wet. Therefore, it is more appropriate to place the mat on the toilet lid, and the guest can place it on the floor as needed during bathing.

Next time you see a thick towel on the toilet in a hotel, do not be surprised. It is not intended for drying the body, but as a bath mat that needs to be placed on the floor. This small detail in the hotel bathroom turns out to be very useful, although its true purpose often remains unclear to most people.

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