Case Study: ParamAnand – Transforming Public Sanitation Accessibility

Team Members:

Yogesh Tayade, Pankaj Gahlot, Amit Kumar Singh and Vijay Kumar Rangu

Program: EMBA 2023A – Product Lab Skillathon

Introduction

This case study explores ParamAnand, a mobile toilet solution coupled with an app aimed at addressing the pressing issue of finding clean and accessible toilets in urban environments. This initiative aligns with India's Swachh Bharat Mission, which highlights the inadequacies in public sanitation infrastructure and the need for innovative solutions.

Key Problem Statement:In urban centers like Bangalore, there is a significant gap in public toilet facilities, with only one toilet seat per 5,416 people. This leads to hygiene challenges, long searches for facilities, and environmental concerns.

Market Analysis

Market Validation:

• Swachh Bharat Mission: Sets sanitation goals that remain unmet in cities like Bangalore.

• Statistics: Bangalore has 1.3 crore residents but only 800 BBMP-operated public toilets, highlighting a glaring inadequacy.

Potential Market Size:

• Population Use Cases: 30% of Bangalore's population relies on toilets outside their homes.

• Target Market: ParamAnand aims to capture 30% of this segment by offering hygienic and accessible options.

Competitor Landscape

The market for public toilets is highly fragmented:

• Hygienic but Expensive Options: Malls, hotels, and high-end toilet rental services.

• Affordable but Unhygienic Options: Public BBMP toilets and petrol pump facilities.

• ParamAnand’s Differentiator: Hygienic, affordable, and accessible mobile toilets integrated with modern technology for convenience.

Customer Insights

A customer survey revealed three critical needs:

1. Convenience: Rapid location of nearby facilities.

2. Affordability: Flexible pricing models that cater to both daily and annual usage.

3. Hygiene: Clean, well-maintained toilets that users can trust.

Business Model

Revenue Streams:

1. Subscription Model: INR 199 annually.

2. Pay-Per-Use Model: INR 10 per day.

Projected Revenues:With an estimated daily user base of 1.2 lakh:

• Daily Revenue: INR 12 lakh.

• Annual Revenue: INR 4.38 crore.

Future Vision

To improve accessibility and usability, ParamAnand plans to integrate its service with WhatsApp, enabling users to locate nearby toilets seamlessly:

• Process:

  • Users type “findtoilet” in a WhatsApp group chat.

  • They receive real-time information about toilets within a 1 km radius.

This feature will:

• Save time for users.

• Encourage adoption by simplifying the search process.

• Contribute to a cleaner environment.

Strategic Partnerships

To scale and enhance its offerings, ParamAnand seeks to collaborate with:

1. Public Authorities: BBMP to integrate existing infrastructure.

2. Private Enterprises: Hotels, restaurants, and other businesses for facility access.

3. Accessory Vendors: For maintenance and supply of necessary resources.

Challenges and Hypotheses

1. Behavioral Change: Encouraging the public to adopt mobile toilets as a solution.

2. Affordability vs. Quality: Balancing low costs with high hygiene standards.

3. Scalability: Expanding the service beyond Bangalore while maintaining consistent quality.

Conclusion

ParamAnand is an innovative solution tackling a critical gap in urban sanitation. By offering affordable, accessible, and hygienic facilities, it aligns with India's goals for cleaner cities and improved public health. Its tech-driven approach and customer-centric design make it a compelling case for urban sanitation reform. With a clear roadmap, the company is well-positioned to make a significant social impact while building a sustainable business.