Nearly six years after the inauguration of Kharkopar and Bamandongari stations on the Nerul-Uran suburban railway corridor, basic sanitation facilities remain largely non-functional. Of the eight toilet units constructed at both stations, one at Kharkopar is partially operational and one at Bamandongari is operational. Despite an average daily footfall of 3500 to 4000 at Kharkopar and over 7000 at Bamandongari, commuters continue to suffer due to the lack of accessible public toilets.

A recent visit by mid-day revealed that not only are most toilets locked, but inside one partially functional unit, clothes belonging to the caretaker and his wife were left hanging to dry. In some of the shut units, grass has started growing from cracks in the floor, highlighting years of neglect.  

While train services at both stations start as early as 6.30 am and continue until 10.20 pm, the only open toilet at Kharkopar operates from 8 am to 9 pm, leaving passengers with no access during most early morning and late-night hours. The situation is more severe at Bamandongari, where both toilets on the east side remain shut.