Indian Railways has prioritised passenger comfort by providing clean, hygienic, and high-quality linen to travellers in air-conditioned (AC) sleeper classes. Using advanced technology, the linen is processed to ensure passengers have a pleasant travel experience. Each set of bedrolls, including sheets and blankets, is thoroughly cleaned in mechanised laundries after every single use, maintaining stringent hygiene standards.
Blankets are washed at least once a month, with the frequency increasing to every 15 days or sooner as needed. To enhance convenience, an additional bedsheet is included in the bedroll kit for AC passengers—one to spread over the berth and another to use as a cover with the blanket. Even passengers with Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets receive the same complete linen set as other AC travellers. The AC coach temperature is maintained at approximately 24°C, ensuring adequate comfort, with bed sheets often sufficient for most conditions.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has implemented several measures to maintain the quality of linen services. State-of-the-art laundry facilities are operational at key locations within the NFR jurisdiction. A new, high-capacity laundry centre in Guwahati, capable of producing 16,000 bedroll packets daily, has been established to meet the growing demand for linen on Guwahati-based trains. This facility utilises a tunnel-based system that efficiently processes large volumes of linen while minimising the consumption of water, energy, and chemicals.
Indian Railways has adopted a multi-faceted approach to further improve bedroll services. New linen sets are procured with upgraded Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications for superior quality. Mechanised laundries equipped with standardised machines and branded chemicals ensure optimal cleaning, while tools like “Whito-meters” verify the quality of the washed linen. War rooms at zonal and divisional headquarters have been set up to address complaints, including those lodged on the Rail Madad portal regarding linen and bedrolls, promptly and efficiently.
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Additional steps include improving logistics for storing, transporting, loading, and unloading bedrolls. Eco-friendly packaging is also being adopted to reduce environmental impact. Blankets currently in use are designed to be lightweight, easy to wash, and provide effective insulation, ensuring passenger comfort. Under no circumstances is unwashed or previously used linen provided to passengers, reinforcing Indian Railways’ commitment to hygiene and safety.
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