Are the Train Blankets Not Washed For 6 Months?
Indian Railways blankets are washed only once or twice a month, raising concerns about cleanliness and hygiene, despite assurances from the Railway Minister.
If you’ve ever traveled by Indian Railways, you’re probably familiar with the bedding provided in AC classes like First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier. This bedding, neatly packaged in a brown envelope known as the "bedroll kit," includes a woolen blanket, pillow, two sheets, and a face towel. It’s provided free of charge as part of your train fare.
But here's something you might want to think about next time you cover yourself with the blanket: the cleanliness of these blankets has come into question.
According to a recent Right to Information (RTI) report, these blankets are only washed once or twice a month. The report also mentions that senior housekeeping staff in the railways have confirmed this shocking claim. Even more alarming is a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), which states that some blankets have not been washed for 5 to 6 months.
The blankets are typically dark-colored, like black or dark brown, which can make it hard to tell if they are clean. Most passengers assume the blankets are washed and hygienic if they don't have any obvious signs of dirt, like bad smells, wetness, or stains.
When questioned about this, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained that the two sheets in the bedroll kit—one for spreading and one for covering—are washed after every journey. He further clarified that the extra bedsheet provided is meant to cover the blanket and keep it clean.
Vaishnaw also reassured the public that the blankets meet safety and hygiene standards. He said they are light, easy to wash, and provide good insulation for a comfortable journey. In addition, he mentioned that the railway ministry uses eco-friendly packaging for the bedrolls and has improved systems for storing, transporting, and handling the bedding to maintain hygiene.
However, the big question remains: is this enough? Can simply giving an extra bedsheet to cover the potentially unhygienic blankets be enough protection, especially considering these blankets are used by countless passengers over long periods of time?
What are your thoughts on this matter? Will you continue using the blankets provided by the railways, or will you take your own bedding on board? Share your views in the comments section below.
