Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Indian Railways Uses White Bed Sheets for Hygiene and Durability
Indian Railways uses white bed sheets in AC coaches because they are easy to clean and stay bright after washing.
The sheets are washed with very hot steam to kill germs.
Recently, they are trying out colorful covers with traditional designs on one train.
Some people are happy with the new designs, but others worry about how often blankets are cleaned.
White sheets make it easy to see if they are clean, which is important for passengers' comfort.
Indian Railways uses white bed sheets in AC coaches for hygiene and durability.
White sheets are washed with steam at 121°C for 30 minutes to eliminate dirt and bacteria.
White fabric retains brightness and makes stains visible, ensuring cleanliness.
Indian Railways is trialing Sanganeri print covers on the Jaipur-Ahmedabad Express.
Blankets are washed less frequently, raising concerns about hygiene standards.
- Who
- Indian Railways
- What
- Uses white bed sheets in AC coaches
- When
- Practice unchanged for years, trial with Sanganeri prints ongoing
- Where
- India, trial on Jaipur-Ahmedabad Express
- Why
- Hygiene, durability, and visibility of stains
- Reason for white sheets
- Hygiene and durability
- Cleaning process
- Steam at 121°C for 30 minutes
- New trial
- Sanganeri print covers on Jaipur-Ahmedabad Express
- Blanket washing frequency
- Once or twice a month
- Laundry facilities
- 46 in-house and 25 private laundries