Satyanarayan Mohapatra
You've settled into your AC train compartment, ready for a comfortable journey. You reach for that neatly packaged blanket, anticipating a warm and restful sleep. But what if that comforting blanket harbors a hidden secret, a truth that might make you think twice before you snuggle up.
A recent Right to Information (RTI) request has unveiled a startling revelation about the hygiene practices of Indian Railways. While bed sheets and pillow covers are diligently laundered after each trip, blankets receive a far less frequent cleaning. In fact, they are only washed once a month, or sometimes twice, depending on their condition.
This news has sent ripples of concern through the traveling community, raising questions about the cleanliness and hygiene standards of the bedding provided on trains. While the crisp white sheets and pillowcases may appear pristine, the blankets, often reused multiple times without washing, tell a different story.
The RTI inquiry also shed light on the laundry operations of Indian Railways. Across the country, 46 departmental laundries and 25 BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) laundries are responsible for cleaning the bedding used in AC coaches.
In departmental laundries, the land and washing machines are owned by Indian Railways, while the staff may be hired on a contract basis. BOOT laundries, on the other hand, operate on a different model. The land is owned by Indian Railways, but the equipment and staff are managed by private contractors. This system, while intended to improve efficiency, raises questions about accountability and the consistency of hygiene standards.
The cost of providing bedding, including sheets, pillows, and blankets, is typically included in the AC ticket price. However, on certain trains like Garib Rath and Duronto, passengers can opt for additional bedding services for a fee. This raises the question of whether the frequency of blanket washing justifies the cost, particularly for those who prioritize hygiene.
The revelations from the RTI inquiry have sparked a debate about the adequacy of hygiene practices on Indian Railways. While the frequent washing of bed sheets and pillowcases is commendable, the infrequent cleaning of blankets raises concerns about potential health risks, especially for passengers with allergies or sensitivities. This incident serves as a wake-up call for Indian Railways to re-evaluate its laundry protocols and prioritize passenger hygiene. Implementing stricter cleaning schedules for blankets, coupled with increased transparency about laundry practices.
DISCLAIMER: This brief is based on information from publicly available sources and reflects the author's interpretation of the topic
