Maharashtra has sanctioned Rs 9.77 crore to build separate toilets for transgender persons at State Transport bus stands across all 31 divisions, addressing a long-standing gap in basic public infrastructure and access.
The approval was issued through a government resolution by the transport department. The combined estimate for the work is Rs 9,76,63,195. According to the resolution, the absence of dedicated toilet facilities at bus stands forces transgender people to face social and physical difficulties and causes considerable distress.
The funding will come from the social justice department’s allocation for establishing a welfare board for transgender persons and protecting their rights. The proposal was submitted by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation’s vice-chairperson and managing director. The transport department approved it after the minister of state handling urban development, transport and social justice, among other portfolios, directed that the proposal be cleared without delay.
Vidarbha’s nine ST divisions have been allocated approximately Rs 2.71 crore. Amravati has received the largest allocation in the region, at Rs 50.74 lakh, followed by Nagpur at Rs 48.40 lakh, Yavatmal at Rs 36 lakh, Buldhana at Rs 33.83 lakh and Bhandara at Rs 31.46 lakh. Chandrapur has been allocated Rs 20.43 lakh, Akola Rs 19.48 lakh, Wardha Rs 16.94 lakh and Gadchiroli Rs 13.75 lakh.
Across Maharashtra, the Kolhapur division has received the highest allocation at Rs 55.20 lakh, while Latur has received the lowest at Rs 9.60 lakh. The division-wise allocations provide the administrative and financial framework for the work, but the government resolution does not specify the total number of toilets to be built or identify the individual bus stands where they will be located.
The sanction includes conditions before construction can begin. Architects must approve the layouts and detailed plans, and a detailed estimate must be prepared for the work. The executive engineer concerned must also provide technical sanction. These requirements place the next stage of implementation with the relevant engineering and administrative authorities across the 31 ST divisions.
The decision brings transgender access into the planning of Maharashtra’s public transport facilities, where toilet infrastructure is used by passengers during journeys and waiting periods. The government resolution links the construction directly to the difficulties faced by transgender users at bus stands. Implementation will now depend on the preparation and approval of designs, technical sanctions and the identification of specific locations within each division.
