India, May 22 -- Even as Bengaluru Metro commuters reel under a sharp fare hike of up to 71 per cent, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has introduced paid access to public toilets at 12 metro stations, drawing criticism from passengers and employee representatives alike.

According to a report by Moneycontrol, the toilets located in the unpaid or public areas of these stations have been handed over to Sulabh International, which will now maintain them and collect user fees, Rs.2 for urinals and Rs.5 for toilets.

The move affects prominent metro stations such as National College, Lalbagh, South End Circle, Jayanagar, Rashtriya Vidyalaya Road, Banashankari, Jaya Prakash Nagar, Yelachenahalli, Sir M Visvesvaraya Station ...