Introduction
In developed cities, shopping malls and commercial areas typically include public toilet facilities. However, in smaller, densely populated cities with limited resources, sanitation infrastructure is often lacking, or worse, the existing toilets are too far away or too dirty to use.
Until recently, a busy road near the bus park in Birgunj, Nepal, had earned the nickname “Moot Galli” (Urine Street). Hundreds of people used to urinate there in the open every day. The smell was unbearable, and the situation was especially problematic since this was not a small alleyway but a major connecting road.
That changed when a mobile public toilet was installed, a simple intervention that brought a dramatic improvement in sanitation and public convenience.
Mobile Toilet: A Simple Yet Powerful Solution
A ready-to-use mobile toilet was placed at the location, equipped with separate urinals for men and women.
Previously, men could (shamefully) urinate on walls or in corners—but women had no such option. For many women, leaving the house meant having to plan around access to a toilet. Though often overlooked, this lack of public facilities limits women’s freedom and directly impacts their health and dignity.
The mobile toilet provides three stalls for men and three for women, placed on opposite sides. It’s open daily from 5 AM to 9 PM, after which it’s taken away for cleaning, emptying, and refilling with water.
There’s a small usage fee of NPR 5 (~USD 0.04), enough to pay for one staff member to maintain the facility. To discourage open urination, the local government has introduced a fine of NPR 5,051 (~USD 37) for anyone caught violating the rule.
According to the caretaker, more than 200 people use the toilet each day, generating a daily revenue of around NPR 1,000 (~USD 7.35).
Visible Impact on Sanitation
The difference is visible. Before and after photos show how much cleaner the area has become. The once stinking, urine-soaked road is now usable. Pedestrians can finally walk without disgust or discomfort.
Permanent public toilets are hard to build in crowded urban areas due to land constraints. That’s why mobile toilets are so effective, as they can be placed exactly where they’re needed most.
Check out this article: Why the distance of public toilets matters.
The nearby bypass road is always crowded, with buses stopping and people rushing to get on. In the past, this urgency, combined with faraway public toilets, left people with no option in a hurry.
This road was previously soaked, the bricks were corroding, and the air was thick with a foul smell. It was a nightmare to walk through, especially with people shamelessly urinating in public.
Now, with the mobile toilet in place, the scene has changed. The road is cleaner, and even the sidewalks are more pleasant to walk on. The facility has restored not just hygiene but also dignity to the public space.
Service Before Profit
Is the mobile toilet profitable? Not really—but that’s not the point.
There is another public toilet in a busier part of Birgunj in Ghantaghar that does generate a profit for the municipality. However, solving a sanitation crisis and restoring public space is a far greater achievement than making a small profit margin.
With minimal additional cost beyond setup and maintenance, the mobile toilet provides a much-needed public service that benefits everyone.
Conclusion
Mobile toilets offer a practical solution to fill the need for public toilets, especially in areas where permanent construction isn’t feasible.
That said, maintenance is key. Cleanliness must be a top priority; otherwise, the facility may face public backlash. There have already been disputes in places like Sundhara in Kathmandu, where poorly maintained mobile toilets sparked complaints.
Every city should recognize the importance of accessible, clean public toilets and treat them as a basic public service, not just a potential source of revenue.
The case of Birgunj proves that even one well-placed, well-maintained mobile toilet can make a big difference in urban cleanliness, public dignity, and quality of life.