BMC partnered with Hindustan Unilever Limited to implement the Suvidha initiative, which provides citizens with access to clean, safe, and high-quality public toilets, bathing facilities, laundry services, and clean drinking water.
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, May 22, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched an innovative initiative called "Suvidha" to improve cleanliness and public health across the city.
A Major Step Towards a Cleaner Mumbai
Mumbai, being a vast metropolis, has long struggled with the shortage and poor maintenance of public toilets. Addressing this issue, BMC partnered with Hindustan Unilever Limited to implement the Suvidha initiative, which provides citizens with access to clean, safe, and high-quality public toilets, bathing facilities, laundry services, and clean drinking water. In densely populated areas and slums of Mumbai, although public toilets existed, they were often unhygienic and unusable due to lack of maintenance. Women, in particular, faced serious challenges in accessing clean and safe sanitation. Recognizing this, BMC developed the concept of Suvidha Centres and launched the project in 2016 with the support of Hindustan Unilever.
Improvement in hygiene
These centres follow high hygiene standards to ensure that citizens receive modern and secure facilities. So far, millions of Mumbaikars have benefited from this initiative. According to feedback, 91% of women using Suvidha centres were able to better manage their daily schedule, and 98% felt safer and more empowered. From a health perspective, the project has had a significant impact – waterborne diseases have reduced by nearly 44%, and overall improvement in hygiene has led to a decrease in the spread of infectious diseases.
Solar energy, water reuse
These centres also incorporate advanced sustainable technologies. Suvidha Centres are powered by solar energy, reducing electricity consumption. Special attention is given to water reuse and waste management. Thanks to BMC’s thoughtful planning, the initiative is not just socially impactful but also economically self-sustaining. About 50% of the revenue is generated through the laundry services, and 98% of monthly pass holders renew their subscriptions – a true testament to the success of this model.
Pilot basis in 2016
Launched on a pilot basis in 2016, the initiative has expanded significantly in the following years. In 2018, with support from HSBC, the Suvidha model was upgraded, and in 2021, the country’s largest public toilet facility was inaugurated in Dharavi.
By 2023, 15 Suvidha Centres were fully operational in Mumbai, serving over 400,000 citizens annually. The Suvidha initiative has brought notable improvements in public sanitation, especially by providing safe and hygienic toilets in underprivileged areas. It not only promotes cleanliness but also contributes to improving the overall health standards of the city. For Mumbai, Suvidha is more than just a project – it is a significant step toward building a cleaner and healthier city. With BMC’s leadership and Hindustan Unilever’s support, the initiative continues to succeed and future plans are underway to expand it even further. BMC’s effort is emerging as a model example of sustainable urban sanitation.
