India
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that Indian Railways ensures blankets provided to passengers are washed at least once a month. Additionally, an extra bedsheet is included in the bedroll kit for use as a quilt cover to enhance hygiene and comfort during journeys.
This response came after Congress MP Kuldeep Indora questioned the frequency of blanket washing, emphasizing that passengers expect bedding to meet basic hygiene standards. The minister assured that current blankets are designed to be lightweight, easily washable, and thermally efficient for passenger comfort.
Vaishnaw highlighted other measures to improve bedding quality, including:
- Procuring new linen sets with updated BIS specifications.
- Establishing mechanized laundries for hygienic cleaning.
- Using standard machines and chemicals to maintain cleanliness.
- Monitoring the washing process with “whito-meters” to ensure quality.
He also mentioned that the codal life of linen items has been reduced, enabling faster replacement with fresh bedding.
To address complaints effectively, Railways has set up “war rooms” at zonal and divisional levels, closely monitoring grievances lodged on the RailMadad portal, including those related to bedroll hygiene. Enhanced logistics and eco-friendly packaging are also being employed to improve the storage, transport, and handling of linen.
These initiatives reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to maintaining cleanliness and ensuring passenger satisfaction during their journeys.
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