India, Aug. 17 -- The Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) estimated Rs.4.31 crore-project to build five "smart toilets" will now not have air conditioning facility. The authorities dropped the feature citing high maintenance and electricity costs, said additional commissioner Prithviraj BP on Thursday.

The civic body is constructing upgraded facilities at five city entry points, with the first at Baner expected to be ready in six months. Each unit will have Wi-Fi, charging points, bathing and changing rooms, and ramps for senior citizens and the disabled. Users will be charged a nominal fee.

Each facility is estimated to cost Rs.87 lakh. The plan had drawn criticism from citizen groups, who argued that funds should be directed towards cl...