Lok Sabha, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed questions raised by Congress MP Kuldeep Indora regarding the hygiene standards of blankets provided to train passengers. The question, which touched on the frequency of washing blankets used on trains, raised concerns about whether washing them only once a month meets the hygiene standards passengers expect, especially when they pay for bedding services. Vaishnaw responded in writing, explaining the measures taken by Indian Railways to ensure passenger comfort and hygiene during train journeys.
Vaishnaw’s response outlined the current practices followed by Indian Railways for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the blankets provided to passengers. He stated that the woollen blankets used on trains are washed at least once a month, emphasizing that these blankets are designed to be lightweight, easy to wash, and offer good insulation for passengers. According to Vaishnaw, the specifications of these blankets are intended to enhance the overall comfort of the passengers during their travel, ensuring a pleasant journey despite the challenges posed by long-distance train travel.
The Railway Minister’s statement came in response to Indora’s concerns about whether the once-a-month washing policy was sufficient to meet the basic hygiene standards. Many passengers had raised similar concerns, questioning if a blanket that is used by hundreds or thousands of passengers in a month could still be deemed hygienic after such limited cleaning. With public health and cleanliness standards coming under increasing scrutiny in public transportation systems, the question of blanket hygiene became a topic of debate.
Indian Railways, being one of the largest and most extensive railway networks in the world, handles millions of passengers every day. The railway system has always been under pressure to maintain high hygiene standards due to the massive scale of operations and the diverse needs of passengers. Many passengers expect a basic level of cleanliness and comfort when using services such as bedding in sleeper and AC coaches, especially when additional charges are levied for bedding.
Experts in public health and hygiene, however, have raised doubts about whether washing the blankets only once a month can guarantee proper cleanliness, considering the exposure to dust, sweat, and possible pathogens. While Vaishnaw’s response highlighted that the woolen blankets are chosen for their ease of washing and ability to provide insulation, it remains to be seen if the frequency of washing aligns with modern hygiene standards in public transportation.
Dr. Rajeev Kumar, an expert in public health, commented on the matter, explaining that blanket hygiene is a critical factor for preventing the spread of germs and infections in public spaces. According to Kumar, while washing once a month may be acceptable for woolen blankets in less crowded settings, the high volume of usage in a public transportation system calls for more frequent cleaning. “Train blankets come into contact with a large number of people, and pathogens can easily be transferred from one passenger to another,” said Kumar. “In such cases, the frequency of washing should ideally be increased to prevent the spread of infections.”
Furthermore, Kumar pointed out that it is not just about the number of washes but also the method used. “Many blankets undergo basic washing techniques that might not be effective in removing all types of bacteria and viruses. A more thorough sanitization process, which includes washing with high temperatures or using disinfectants, would be a better approach,” he added. This observation raises further questions about whether Indian Railways has implemented such measures for blanket washing or if they are relying on standard laundry practices.
In the wake of these concerns, some passengers and consumer rights groups have called for more transparency from Indian Railways on the cleaning processes used for blankets. They urge the ministry to review the blanket hygiene protocols and consider increasing the washing frequency to ensure better health standards for passengers.
As discussions about cleanliness in public transportation continue to gain momentum, it is clear that the issue of hygiene in railway services remains a complex one. While Vaishnaw’s response reflects the efforts being made to maintain cleanliness in Indian Railways, experts and passengers alike suggest that further measures may be necessary to meet the growing expectations of hygiene and comfort in modern travel.
The question of blanket hygiene on trains also ties into broader discussions about the cleanliness of public transportation systems in India. With the rapid growth in rail travel, especially post-pandemic, passengers have become more conscious of cleanliness and hygiene standards. Whether it’s the frequency of cleaning, the methods used, or the overall quality of services provided, the expectations for public health measures are higher than ever.
Many train passengers now expect the same level of cleanliness that they might find in airlines or hotels, especially as these industries have increasingly invested in hygiene measures post-COVID. The demand for such services has created a space where railways might need to modernize their practices to ensure that they remain competitive and meet evolving standards of passenger comfort. The regular cleaning of blankets, along with the implementation of other hygiene protocols, could be a critical step in this direction.
Another issue that comes up in such discussions is the management of other bedding-related items, like pillows and sheets, which also face heavy usage. Just like blankets, these items come into direct contact with passengers, and any lapses in hygiene could lead to health risks. Dr. Kumar emphasizes that blankets are just one part of the larger puzzle. “The hygiene of all bedding materials used on trains must be part of an integrated approach. If only the blankets are cleaned regularly and the rest of the bedding is neglected, the whole system remains vulnerable,” he states.
Some experts argue that Indian Railways could look into partnerships with specialized hygiene companies to improve cleaning standards. Advanced laundry technologies, such as steam cleaning and UV sanitization, could be explored to ensure that blankets and other bedding materials are sanitized thoroughly. These methods, while more expensive, may offer a higher level of cleanliness and provide peace of mind for passengers concerned about the hygiene of their bedding.
Vaishnaw’s statement on the matter is a step in the right direction, as it sheds light on the attention the Railway Ministry is paying to passenger concerns. However, some feel that the once-a-month cleaning might not be adequate for a system that handles millions of passengers every day. As the railway system modernizes and upgrades services across various sectors, it is possible that we may see more regular cleaning schedules or even the introduction of alternative materials that are easier to sanitize, making travel more comfortable and hygienic.
In the meantime, passengers can take precautions to safeguard their own health. While traveling, using their own blankets or sanitizing the provided bedding with personal disinfectant wipes may be a sensible option. Passengers who are concerned about hygiene can also bring their own pillows or bedding materials to ensure a cleaner experience.
As the issue of hygiene continues to dominate conversations about public transportation in India, it is likely that more conversations will emerge around the importance of hygiene standards across different sectors. For Indian Railways, the challenge will be balancing operational feasibility with passengers’ increasing demands for comfort and cleanliness. As the debate continues, both experts and passengers alike await the next steps the government and Indian Railways take to improve passenger health and safety on trains.