Because the railways are so well connected, many Indians find that travelling by train is a very handy option. But when it comes to railways, the first thing that springs to mind is the cleanliness and upkeep. During the Lok Sabha cabinet meeting, the railways minister disclosed the frequency of the washings of the blankets provided on the train. Indian Railways cleans the blankets given to passengers on trains at least once a month, according to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. He also mentioned that with the bedroll kit given to the passengers, an additional bedsheet is also given to them, which can be used as a quilt cover.
Railway Minister’s Take On Blankets Given On Train
As reported by Press Trust of India (PTI), the railway minister claimed that the blankets now in use by Indian Railways are more comfortable to travel in since they are lighter, easier to clean, and offer adequate insulation. The railway minister gave this written response when a member of parliament asked how often railways wash woollen blankets, despite the fact that passengers pay for bedding that meets basic hygienic standards.
According to railway minister Ashwini, the codal life of linen items has been shortened from the previously recommended period in order to facilitate the faster induction of fresh products, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Purchasing new linen sets with enhanced BIS criteria, using mechanised laundries for sanitary linen sets, using standard machinery and chemicals for linen washing, and keeping an eye on linen washing operations are just a few of the steps the response listed to guarantee passenger comfort and safety.
Additional Division To Keep A Check On Linen & Bedroll Complaints
According to Ashwini, the railways have set up “war rooms” at the divisional and zonal levels to keep an eye on complaints made on the ‘RailMadad portal,’ particularly those pertaining to the bedroll and linen that passengers are given.
Both eco-friendly packaging and better logistics are being used by the railways for the storage, transit, loading, and unloading of linens at stations and trains.
Have you had a comfortable and hygienic train journey recently?
Cover Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons & Canva
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.