TAASIR :– S M HASSAN –2 DEC
1 Lakh bed rolls used by passengers every day over WR
Indian Railways takes utmost care in providing passengers with the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness, particularly when it comes to bedrolls and blankets. Recognizing the importance of comfort and well-being during travel, Railways has implemented stringent measures to ensure its bedding materials meet these standards. All bedrolls and blankets are carefully washed and sanitized at regular intervals using modern washing techniques. Dedicated teams oversee the maintenance process to ensure every item adheres to strict quality checks. Every day Western Railway provides 1 lakh bed rolls to its on-board passengers which is equivalent to operating 1,00,000 hotel rooms per day and can be compared with the running of 1000 hundred-roomed hotels.
Passenger safety and satisfaction remain a top priority for Indian Railways. The Railways has made remarkable strides in enhancing blanket cleaning practices in AC coaches, prioritizing passenger hygiene and comfort. What once was a three-month cleaning interval in 2010 has now been shortened to just 15 days. In areas with logistical challenges, this interval may extend to 20-30 days. Moreover naphthalene + hot air sterilization is also done frequently. This proactive approach contrasts sharply with typical household practices, where blankets are infrequently washed and often only sun-dried seasonally. To ensure optimal cleanliness and comfort, passengers are also provided with two bedsheets—one for spreading and the other for covering the blankets.
According to a press release issued by Shri Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, since 2018, the service life of woollen blankets has been reduced from four years to two years, reflecting a stronger focus on quality. All linen, including bedsheets, is washed after every single use and replaced based on its condition to avoid providing tom items. Each linen item features a woven logo indicating its railway zone and date of procurement, enhancing traceability and quality assurance. Indian Railways maintains AC coach temperatures around 24°C, often reducing the necessity of blankets, with bedsheets adequately meeting passenger needs.
Continuing in this direction, Mechanized Laundry facilities in Western Railway at multiple locations including Mumbai and Ahmedabad support this effort of maintaining clean and hygienic stock of bedsheets, pillow covers, face towels and blankets. Total One Lakh bedrolls i.e. 2 Lakh bedsheets, 1 lakh pillow covers and face towels each and 80,000 blankets are used on a daily basis by passengers travelling in Western Railway trains.
To monitor and improve services, on-board staff provide feedback on linen quality, and passenger complaints are closely tracked. Feedback forms are regularly collected to enhance customer satisfaction. Through these efforts, it reaffirms its commitment to delivering not just a journey, but a clean and comfortable experience for every traveler.