Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has responded to concerns raised by Congress MP Kuldeep Indora regarding the hygiene of train blankets.
Indora had questioned how often woollen blankets are washed, claiming they are cleaned only once a month, which could affect hygiene standards, especially given the fares passengers pay.
In a written response, Vaishnaw clarified that blankets are washed at least once a month. He also outlined the steps taken by Indian Railways to ensure passenger comfort and hygiene:
“The blankets used in Indian Railways, as per current specifications, are lighter, easy to wash, and provide good insulation to passengers, ensuring a comfortable journey,” Vaishnaw stated.
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The Minister further highlighted the following initiatives:
- Upgraded Linen: New linen sets are procured with enhanced BIS specifications for better quality and hygiene.
- Mechanised Laundries: Indian Railways has invested in mechanised laundries to efficiently clean linen items.
- Standardised Washing Procedures: Specific machines and chemicals are used for thorough linen cleaning.
- Quality Control: Whiteness meters are used to assess the cleanliness of washed linen, and linen items are replaced more frequently to maintain quality.
- Complaint Monitoring: Dedicated war rooms have been set up to monitor and address passenger complaints, including those related to linen and bedroll hygiene.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Eco-friendly packaging is used for bedrolls, and improved logistics have been implemented for efficient handling and transportation of linen items.