The Ministry of Railways introduced a pilot scheme on October 16, 2025, providing printed blanket covers in air-conditioned (AC) coaches to improve passenger hygiene and comfort during journeys. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hailed the initiative as a step toward addressing longstanding concerns over blanket cleanliness, which had lagged behind the regular laundering of bed sheets and pillow covers. This move aims to eliminate doubts about bedding sanitation in a network transporting over 23 million passengers daily, where hygiene complaints have historically impacted satisfaction ratings. By introducing disposable or washable covers, the scheme seeks to foster a safer, cleaner travel experience amid rising demands for modern amenities in India's vast rail system.

Vaishnaw emphasised the psychological reassurance the covers provide, stating, "Blankets have been used in our railway system for years, but there has always been a doubt in the minds of our passengers. To remove that doubt, a new initiative has been taken today—the introduction of blanket covers." The pilot kicks off on the Jaipur-Asarva Express, a key route connecting Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur, to Ahmedabad's Asarva station in Gujarat, serving thousands of travellers across northern and western India.

If deemed successful based on feedback and operational feasibility, the practice will extend to all AC classes in other trains, potentially revolutionising onboard linen management. This addresses a persistent grievance highlighted in passenger surveys by the Railway Board, where unclean bedding ranked among the top issues, exacerbated by high occupancy and varying maintenance standards.

The initiative aligns with broader cleanliness drives under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and recent upgrades like bio-toilets and Vande Bharat high-speed trains, which have elevated hygiene benchmarks since 2014. Indian Railways, the world's fourth-largest network spanning 68,000 km, has invested over Rs 2 lakh crore in passenger amenities in the past decade, including mechanised laundering units that process millions of linens weekly.

However, blankets—often reused across long-haul routes—posed unique challenges due to bulkier cleaning processes. By standardising covers, the ministry not only promotes uniformity but also reduces infection risks, especially post-COVID, when rail travel surged 15% year-on-year. Early trials will monitor durability, cost-effectiveness (estimated at Rs 50-100 per set), and waste management to ensure sustainability.

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As rail passenger numbers rebound toward pre-pandemic levels of 8 billion annually, this scheme could enhance user trust and boost revenue through premium services. Vaishnaw's launch reflects the government's passenger-centric reforms, potentially influencing future innovations like antimicrobial fabrics or app-based feedback systems. With expansion on the horizon, the pilot promises to set a new standard for hygiene in AC travel, benefiting economy-class users who form 70% of AC ridership. Success here may prompt similar upgrades in non-AC coaches, contributing to India's vision of a world-class railway ecosystem by 2030.

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