Palike to construct 75 free-to-use SHE toilets in Bengaluru; work orders soon

BENGALURU: Of 100, construction work on 75 ‘SHE toilets’ is set to begin soon across the city. Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is expected to issue work orders in the coming week for the smart toilets, which will be available for use free of cost. These will feature feeding rooms, changing rooms, washrooms, sanitation rooms with vending machines, mobile charging accessories, and seating areas for women.
The civic body had planned to build 100 SHE toilets at 18 locations under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.It floated a tender for the toilets under the design, finance, build, operate, and transfer model. “This initiative faced delays as initial bidders didn’t qualify, necessitating a re-tendering. Now, we’ve categorised the bidders into three groups: General, SC, and ST. The general category will oversee the construction of 75 ‘SHE’ toilets, while SC and ST bidders will construct 17 and eight toilets, respectively,” said Praveen Lingaiagh, chief engineer, solid waste management, BBMP.
“We wanted bidders to ensure the overall design and build of SHE toilets is innovative, utilises the latest technology for construction with space-saving compact designs and IoT components, and ensures water and electricity conservation, waste management, security, and hygiene, among others. While allowing service providers to advertise on SHE toilets, the services will be provided to women free of cost,” he added
The work order for 75 SHE toilets will be issued in the coming week. “These smart toilets will feature smart automatic toilet seats, dual flushing options, nozzle self-cleaning functions, and water temperature adjustments,” Lingaiah said.
No touch or water
“The urinals will also be touch-free and waterless. The designated spots will also feature a sit-out area with horticultural and decorative plants if there is enough room. To protect users, the restroom doors will have automated, secure door locks that are enabled by the Internet of Things. To provide IoT-enabled control over user access, maintenance of toilet hygiene levels, and collecting user data, the facilities will be smartly administered using mobile applications,” he added.
A neon glow signboard with detailed signage will be installed by the agency on the building structure, and a cubical glow signboard will be placed on a pole at the main road showing directions and location. A digital video wall may be placed at each location to run advertisements for businesses and commercial entities to generate revenue, with 20% of the time allocated for public awareness, govt announcements, and social messages.