Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Indian Railways Explains Purpose of Second Bed Sheet
Indian Railways gives two bed sheets to passengers in AC coaches.
One is to spread on the bed, and the other is to put between the passenger and the blanket to keep it clean.
The Railway Minister said this is to make sure passengers are healthy and comfortable.
They also wash the blanket cover sheet after every use.
The Minister talked about this in the Rajya Sabha because a member asked about how often they wash blankets and sheets.
Indian Railways also uses special machines and cameras to check the cleanliness of the linen.
They have rules about how long each item can be used before it needs to be replaced.
Indian Railways provides two bed sheets in AC coaches: one for the berth and one as a protective layer between the passenger and the blanket.
The blanket cover sheet is washed after every use to maintain hygiene.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw explained this in the Rajya Sabha in response to questions about linen hygiene and washing practices.
Indian Railways uses Whito-Meters and CCTV cameras to monitor the cleanliness of linen in mechanized laundries.
The service life for different linen items varies, with pillow covers and face towels replaced every 9 months, bed sheets every 12-24 months, and pillows and blankets every 24 months.
- Who
- Indian Railways, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Rajya Sabha MP Chandrakant Damodar Handore
- What
- Explanation of the purpose of the second bed sheet in AC coaches and hygiene practices
- When
- Friday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Rajya Sabha, Indian Railways AC coaches
- Why
- To improve hygiene and passenger comfort during train journeys
- Bedroll Kit Contents
- Two bed sheets, one pillow cover, one hand towel
- Blanket Cover Sheet Washing
- Washed after single use
- Linen Service Life
- Pillow covers and face towels: 9 months, Handloom bed sheets: 12 months, Polyvastra bed sheets: 24 months, Pillows and woollen blankets: 24 months
- Laundry Monitoring
- Whito-Meters and CCTV cameras used
- AI Technology
- Pilot project for AI-camera stain detection in laundries