Ashwini Vaishnaw Responds to MP’s Concerns Over Blanket Hygiene on Trains

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday regarding the hygiene standards of train blankets, stating that they are washed at least once a month. Additionally, passengers receive an extra bedsheet in the bedroll kit to be used as a cover for the blanket.

Response to Hygiene Concerns
The minister’s remarks came in response to a question from Congress MP Kuldeep Indora, who raised concerns about whether blankets meet basic hygiene standards despite passengers paying for clean bedding.

In a written reply, Vaishnaw explained:

• Blanket Specifications: The blankets provided by Indian Railways are lightweight, easy to wash, and designed to offer effective insulation for passenger comfort.
• Linen Hygiene Measures: New linen sets with upgraded BIS specifications are being procured, and mechanized laundries ensure hygienic washing using standardized machines and chemicals.
• Quality Control: Whito-meters are used to assess the cleanliness of washed items, and the lifespan of linen items has been shortened to allow for quicker replacements with fresh items.

Passenger Comfort and Safety Initiatives
The minister outlined additional steps taken to enhance hygiene and service:

• War rooms at zonal and divisional levels have been set up to monitor complaints, including those related to linen, via the RailMadad portal.
• Eco-friendly packaging and improved logistics ensure efficient storage, transport, and handling of linen.
• Mechanized processes ensure consistency in cleanliness standards.

Vaishnaw emphasized that these measures aim to provide passengers with a comfortable and hygienic travel experience.