Passengers travelling in air-conditioned coaches of Indian Railways receive two bed sheets as part of the standard bedroll kit, and the Railways has now clarified the reason behind this long-standing practice.
Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the first bed sheet is meant to be spread over the berth, while the second is intended to be used beneath the blanket. The additional sheet acts as a protective layer, preventing the blanket from coming into direct contact with the passenger’s body and improving hygiene during travel.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
The clarification came in response to queries raised by Rajya Sabha MP Chandrakant Damodar Handore regarding the health and hygiene rationale behind laundering practices for railway linen. While bed sheets are washed after every use, woollen blankets are cleaned less frequently. Vaishnaw informed the House that the blanket cover sheet provided to passengers is washed after every journey, ensuring a clean barrier between travellers and the blanket.
The Railway Minister also highlighted measures being taken to improve the quality of linen supplied on trains. Indian Railways has introduced a pilot project to provide blanket cover sheets to passengers travelling on North Western Railway-operated trains and the newly launched Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Kamakhya and Howrah.
To strengthen quality control, mechanised railway laundries across the country are equipped with Whito-Meters to assess linen cleanliness, while CCTV cameras monitor washing operations. Additionally, AI-powered stain detection technology is being tested at laundries in Pune, Jaipur and Jodhpur divisions to improve inspection standards.
Vaishnaw added that the prescribed lifespan of railway linen is reviewed periodically based on usage and condition. Pillow covers and towels are generally replaced after nine months, handloom bed sheets after 12 months, while Polyvastra bed sheets, pillows and woollen blankets have a prescribed service life of up to 24 months. Linen that becomes unserviceable is withdrawn and replaced in accordance with existing railway norms.
