Railway Ruckus: Woollen Blankets Cleaned Only Once A Month—Netizens Demand 'BYOB' (Bring Your Own Blanket)!

In a startling revelation, an RTI response from the Ministry of Railways has exposed the less-than-ideal hygiene standards in Indian Railways' AC coaches. While bedsheets and pillow covers are washed after each use, the woollen blankets offered to passengers are washed just once a month, causing a wave of disgust across the internet.

Despite the official policy aiming to wash these blankets twice monthly, capacity issues mean they're only laundered once unless visibly soiled or emitting a foul odour. Passengers in trains like Duronto and Garib Rath have the option to purchase additional bedrolls, but these woollen blankets are typically folded and reused after each trip unless complaints are raised.

Indian railway was never in this lousy shape ever. No wonder the Modi government does not want a separate Railway Budget to be presented in the parliament.
CAG report says the blankets given on coaches are not drycleaned for years, foods served on trains should not be consumed...

— Ravi Nair (@t_d_h_nair) June 6, 2022

This news has sparked outrage online, with many calling out the railway ministry for poor service. Social media users slammed the ministry, with some jokingly advising travellers to "Bring Your Own Blanket."

Bring Your Own Blanket(BYOB)

— Manas Muduli🇮🇳 (@manas_muduli) October 22, 2024

Others questioned where the money allocated for laundry services goes, given that bedding is already included in ticket fares.

Im surprised so many people are shocked that railway coach blankets arent washed after each trip 🤷 the reason they give you 2 sheets instead of 1 is, for you to use one sheet to line the line blanket with !! https://t.co/HtMxkgLW0b

— Joga-Maya 😎 (@jogakhichudi) March 14, 2020

Adding to the frustration, netizens pointed out that Indian Railways had previously committed to washing blankets more frequently. In 2016, the railways announced that blankets would be washed after every use, and by 2018, the frequency was set at twice a month. However, these promises seem to have fallen by the wayside.

That’s is a scare because it can lead to massive viral infection. This is very scary and how is this even allowed.

— Raghuveer (@Straying_mind) October 22, 2024

Amid the controversy, many recall how Indian Railways removed blankets from AC coaches during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing hygiene concerns. This latest revelation only adds fuel to the fire, with passengers demanding better standards.

I seem to remember that blankets were dry cleaned on every journey when Lalu was railway minister. I think the paper bags that covered those had this printed on it. Does anyone else remember this?https://t.co/ToNccEqvfV

— Girish (@GirishNaught) March 15, 2020

The Indian Railways operates 46 departmental laundries and 25 BOOT laundries (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer), but the scale of the service seems to fall short when it comes to maintaining cleanliness for woollen blankets.

Iski bhi kya zaroorat hai... Rehne hi do...

— Manoj Arora (@manoj_216) October 22, 2024

Netizens have expressed their dismay, with some sarcastically commenting, "RTI wasn't even needed-just look at the blankets!"

Why even do that. Dont wash at all.

— 👑Che_ಕೃಷ್ಣ🇮🇳💛❤️ (@ChekrishnaCk) October 22, 2024

Others urged Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take action. With passengers airing their grievances, the call for improved standards in Indian Railways is louder than ever. As the debate rages on, it seems travellers may soon opt to carry their own blankets for a more comfortable (and cleaner) journey.

@AshwiniVaishnaw reel minister cant focus on train accident and food quality but at least focus on hygiene that is disgusting 🤢

— @baba_andrio (@AndrioBaba) October 22, 2024

This is what happens if Reel Minister is busy making reels instead of focusing on railways & its hygiene.

— Rohini Anand (@mrs_roh08) October 22, 2024