In a revelation that may cause concern among frequent train travellers, Railways has disclosed the washing schedule for bedding provided in AC coaches. This startling information, obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request, raises questions about the cleanliness of the bedding that passengers rely on during their journeys.
Passengers in AC coaches are typically provided with sheets, pillows, and blankets neatly packaged in brown envelopes placed on their seats. While the white colour of the sheets and pillowcases may give the impression of cleanliness, the darker hues of the blankets – often black or dark brown -leave much to be desired in terms of visible hygiene.
According to the Indian Express, the Railways confirmed that bed sheets and pillow covers are washed after every use, providing a sense of reassurance for travellers. However, the real shock comes from the treatment of blankets: these are only laundered once a month, or sometimes twice, depending on their condition. This means that the very blanket passengers use to stay warm could have gone weeks without being washed.
When asked about the costs associated with this bedding service, the Railways clarified that the fees for sheets, pillows, and blankets are included in the ticket price. However, on specific trains such as Garib Rath and Duronto, passengers can opt for additional bedding services for a fee. Rishu Gupta, Section Officer of the Environment and Housekeeping Management Department of the Railway Ministry, assured that proper standards are upheld for cleaning bedding on these routes.
Post-journey procedures for bedding have also been called into question. An official response to the RTI enquiry stated that while bed sheets and pillow covers are promptly sent to laundry after each trip, blankets are merely folded and stored in the coaches. They are only sent for cleaning if they are visibly dirty or emit an unpleasant odour. Alarmingly, a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in 2017 indicated that some blankets were not washed for up to six months.
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