There has been ongoing discussion about the cleanliness of bedrolls provided in Air-Conditioned (AC) coaches on Indian Railways, particularly the blankets. Recently, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in Parliament that blankets are washed once a month.

This sparked a significant debate over hygiene, as passengers questioned the cleanliness of blankets that may have been used by multiple travelers. In response to the controversy, Northern Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) has clarified that since 2016, blankets in AC coaches have been washed twice a month, not once. According to a press release, the railway is committed to providing clean and high-quality bedrolls to passengers, and they have introduced a policy for regular washing of blankets to ensure hygiene.

Policy Update: Increased Frequency of Blanket Washes

Northern Railway’s statement reveals that as per the railway board's policy, blankets were initially washed every three months. However, since 2016, the washing interval has been reduced to 15 days, with some logistical challenges causing a potential increase in washing frequency to 20-30 days. The statement emphasized that blankets are cleaned after each use in mechanized laundries, and all linens, including sheets and pillow covers, are also washed and ironed after every use.

Additionally, Northern Railway claimed that in select trains like the 12424 Dibrugarh Rajdhani, blankets undergo UV sanitization after every round trip, ensuring they are free from germs and bacteria.

Passenger Concerns Over Hygiene

Despite these claims, there are still concerns among passengers about the hygiene of blankets. Often, travelers have complained about receiving used blankets and sheets in trains. Many passengers have even expressed discomfort at using blankets that may have been used by other travelers, particularly in trains traveling long distances. In some cases, passengers have reported receiving dirty blankets, leading to questions about the effectiveness of the cleaning process. To address this, Northern Railway has assured that high standards of cleanliness are maintained, and all linens are replaced if found damaged or worn out.

Railway's Efforts to Improve Cleanliness and Comfort

Railways have been emphasizing hygiene, with specific policies in place to ensure the cleanliness of bedrolls. For instance, Southwestern Railway has also improved the washing of blankets in AC coaches, ensuring they are cleaned every 15 days instead of the previous intervals of 2-3 months. Furthermore, the woolen blankets used in trains are replaced every two years to ensure quality.

With cleanliness becoming a major concern for passengers, Railways have upgraded their facilities to ensure better hygiene and comfort for travelers. However, given the complex logistics of running such a vast network, it remains to be seen if these efforts will completely address passenger concerns regarding cleanliness and hygiene.

Passenger's Role in Reporting Issues

To further enhance passenger experience, Railways have introduced an easy-to-use complaint portal, allowing passengers to report issues regarding unclean blankets, sheets, or other problems during their journey. The move is aimed at improving accountability and ensuring that all travelers receive the comfort and cleanliness they deserve.