In a revelation that may worry frequent train travellers, the Railways has disclosed the washing schedule for bedding provided in AC coaches. The surprising information, obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application, raises questions about the cleanliness of the bedding passengers rely on during their travels.

Passengers on AC coaches usually receive sheets, pillows and blankets carefully packed in brown envelopes placed on their seats. While the white color of sheets and pillowcases may give the impression of cleanliness, the darker shades of blankets – often black or dark brown – leave much to be desired in terms of visible hygiene.

According to the Indian Express, the Railways has confirmed that sheets and pillowcases are washed after each use, putting travelers at ease. But the real shock comes from the treatment of the blankets: they are only washed once a month, or sometimes twice, depending on their condition. This means the blanket passengers use to stay warm could have gone weeks without being washed.

Asked about the costs associated with this bedding service, the Railways clarified that the charges for sheets, pillows and blankets are included in the ticket price. However, on some trains such as Garib Rath and Duronto, passengers can opt for additional bedding services for a fee. Rishu Gupta, Section Manager, Environmental Management and Housekeeping Department, Ministry of Railways, assured that proper standards were being followed for cleaning of bedding on these routes.

Post-trip sleeping procedures have also been questioned. An official response to the RTI inquiry said that while sheets and pillowcases are promptly sent to the laundry after every trip, blankets are simply folded and stored in the coaches. They are only sent for cleaning if they are visibly dirty or emit an unpleasant odor. Alarmingly, a 2017 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report indicated that some blankets had not been washed for six months.