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.

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."

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.