More than a year after funds were sanctioned for Gurugram’s ambitious “aspirational toilet” project, progress on the ground remains slow. Out of 42 approved locations, construction has begun at only six sites, despite a Rs 5.28 crore allocation under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) had approved 229 modern toilet units across the city in December 2024. These aspirational toilets are designed as upgraded, tech-enabled public facilities with touchless taps, improved hygiene standards, and inclusive features for women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Limited Progress So Far
According to senior MCG officials, work at the six sites began in late November 2025 and is currently underway. The remaining locations will be taken up only after the initial batch is completed, which is expected by May or June this year.
“Once these are completed, work at the other identified locations will begin,” an official said.
Most of the selected sites are high-footfall public areas such as bus stands and railway stations. Officials indicated that adjustments were required at some locations because functional public toilets already existed there, contributing to delays in starting new construction.
Tender Delays and Contractor Issues
The project faced early hurdles during the bidding stage. Tenders were floated in the first half of last year, but initially failed to attract bidders. The contract was eventually awarded in September 2025 to Desh Raj Construction Pvt Ltd.
MCG executive engineer Sundar Sheoran said the tendering process consumed considerable time after agencies did not come forward in the first round. The contractor has not publicly responded to queries about the current status of work.
Existing Infrastructure Under Strain
Gurugram currently has 133 public toilets, with approximately Rs 15 lakh spent annually on maintenance. However, several of these facilities have been reported to be in poor condition, raising questions about upkeep standards even before the rollout of the upgraded units.
The aspirational toilet project was positioned as a major push to improve sanitation standards in the city. But with only six of 42 sites under construction, concerns remain over whether the remaining units will be completed within the revised timeline.
As summer approaches and public footfall rises in transit hubs, residents and commuters will be watching closely to see whether the city’s modern sanitation promise finally moves from blueprint to reality.
