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The recent revelation regarding the frequency of blanket washing on Indian Railways has sparked a debate about passenger hygiene and comfort. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's statement in Parliament, confirming that blankets are washed at least once a month, has prompted many travelers to consider bringing their own bedding. This unexpected situation highlights a crucial gap between the expectations of passengers paying for a service that should include basic hygiene standards and the reality of the current cleaning practices. While the Minister attempted to reassure passengers by detailing other measures being taken to improve hygiene, the core issue remains: the monthly washing cycle of blankets isn't sufficient to alleviate concerns about cleanliness and potential health risks.
Vaishnaw's response in the Lok Sabha, prompted by a question from Congress MP Kuldeep Indora, attempted to address the concerns raised. He stated that passengers are provided an additional bed sheet that can be used as a quilt cover. This addition, however, does little to address the fundamental issue of the infrequent washing of the provided blankets. While the Minister highlighted the introduction of lighter, easier-to-wash blankets, the simple fact remains that a monthly washing cycle falls short of the hygiene standards expected by many passengers. The argument that the blankets are 'lighter, easy to wash, and provide good insulation' does not alleviate the concern about monthly laundering and the potential accumulation of germs and bacteria over the course of a month's use by multiple passengers.
The Minister further outlined several initiatives being undertaken by Indian Railways to improve the situation. These include the procurement of new linen sets with improved BIS specifications, the introduction of mechanized laundries to ensure the supply of hygienic linen, and the use of CCTV monitoring and white-meters to check the quality of washed linen. The implementation of war rooms at zonal and divisional levels to monitor and promptly address complaints lodged through the RailMadad portal is also a positive step. These efforts represent a genuine attempt by the railways to improve the quality of service and passenger experience, however, the efficacy of these measures remains to be seen, especially regarding the core issue of blanket hygiene.
The reduction in the 'coral life' of linen items – the prescribed duration before replacement – is intended to allow for a quicker induction of fresh linen, suggesting a tacit acknowledgment of the limitations of the current system. This, coupled with improvements in logistics concerning the storage, transportation, loading, and unloading of linen, demonstrates a move towards a more efficient and hygienic system. Yet, the fundamental problem of the monthly washing cycle of blankets persists. The question remains: are these improvements sufficient to meet the expected standards of hygiene and assure passengers of a clean and comfortable journey? The need for more frequent laundering, perhaps even after each use, is still a considerable issue that requires urgent attention.
The introduction of eco-friendly packaging for bedrolls further enhances the sustainability efforts of Indian Railways. However, the immediate concern for many travelers remains the cleanliness of the provided blankets. While the Minister's response aims to reassure passengers and address concerns, it appears that the message has not fully resonated. The recommendation for passengers to 'Bring Your Own Blankets' reflects the prevailing sentiment: many travelers feel the need to take matters into their own hands to guarantee their own hygiene and comfort during their journeys. This situation underscores the ongoing challenge faced by Indian Railways in balancing cost-effectiveness and hygiene standards to provide a truly satisfactory passenger experience.
Ultimately, the situation surrounding the cleanliness of train blankets highlights the need for transparent communication and a proactive approach to addressing passenger concerns. While improvements are being implemented, the frequency of blanket washing remains a contentious issue. The public's response, suggesting a widespread adoption of the 'BYOB' approach, indicates a lack of complete confidence in the current system. Moving forward, Indian Railways needs to demonstrate a clearer commitment to improving the hygiene standards of its services, to regain passenger trust and ensure a truly comfortable and safe journey for all.
Source: Train travellers this winter may want to consider BYOB — Here's Why