Have you travelled on AC coaches of Indian Railways trains? If yes, you must have seen staff placing packets of blankets on every seat. Indian Railways offers this service for long-haul journeys and many passengers often find it convenient as it cuts off the need to carry heavy blankets. Have you wondered how often are these blankets cleaned? We are shooketh hearing the answer!
Linen & Wool Blankets Provided In AC Coach Are Washed Only….
Many travellers prefer sleeping with wool blankets provided by Indian Railways as they can easily avoid the excess baggage of carrying blankets or thick bedsheets while covering long distances on trains. AC coaches are usually kept at quite a chilli temperature and blankets become a necessity, especially while sleeping at night. But the real question that lies here is how hygienic these woollen blankets provided on AC coaches of express trains are.
In a conversation with The New Indian Express, the Ministry of Railways shared that wool blankets are cleaned a minimum of once a month, preferably two times every month. The washing duration is dependent on availability and logistics arrangements. Even the thought of using an unwashed blanket is giving us heebie jeebies. On the other hand, the laundry department washes linen after every use.
The New Indian Express gathered more information from housekeeping staff working on different express trains about this lesser-known aspect of Indian Railways. Many revealed that blankets are cleaned once a month. Laundry staff wash them more times if the materials start smelling or get any stains.
Also read: What Is The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) Of The Indian Railways?
More About Cleaning Blankets
We are flabbergasted to hear a response from a housekeeping staff. According to this unnamed individual with over 10 years of experience working on trains, staff usually send blankets to get cleaned after finding any bad odour, wetness, and more unhygienic elements. Chances are all blankets are not cleansed and scrubbed two times every month.
A former senior officer of EnHM emphasised how Railways need to stop offering wool blankets to passengers travelling in AC coaches. In addition to cleaning issues, these are very heavy as well.
If any passenger complains about blankets to the staff, they resolve the problem by offering a tidy blanket.
Now that you know about the laundry services for wool blankets, would you prefer carrying yours from home?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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