Public bathrooms across the Indian landscape are changing indeed. Yet, there are a number of shortfalls. I recall the difficulty my grandmother & mother faced during routine halts at Lonavala enroute to Pune. Besides cleanliness of the room, what about a dry place to keep your handbag! And, a mirror, perhaps!
Even today public bathrooms are not designed well enough for the elderly. I do not want to remind you of the trials of physically or mentally challenged. Its not just the size of room or ventilation & lighting, but elements like floor tiles (given the wet conditions of our bathrooms we do NOT need ceramic tiles!) grab handles or just a place to keep your handbag.
The other thing i came across at this mall - was a bright cheerful place -called the baby care room ! Most places have a small section of the women's restroom dedicated for this purpose though I have often wondered how uncomfortable it would be for women who sit in a busy restroom and attend to their babies. Besides comfortable seating, a baby changing table - this room had toys that older kids could play with and the cushions on the couch were adorable. This space felt like something that was in between what we have seen and know of a toilet seatchanging areas and the kids play area that one often finds at supermarkets.
