Indian Railways ends shared blankets for RAC passengers in AC coaches; new bedroll rule takes effect

Passengers travelling on RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets in AC coaches will no longer have to share blankets or bedrolls with co-passengers. Indian Railways has directed that every RAC passenger travelling in all AC classes, except AC Chair Car, must be provided with an individual bedroll kit containing fresh linen and a blanket. The order has come into effect immediately.

The move follows repeated complaints from passengers who said sharing a single bedroll kit with a stranger during overnight journeys was uncomfortable and unhygienic. Despite paying the full fare, RAC passengers have long raised concerns about receiving fewer amenities than other confirmed passengers.

Under the RAC system, passengers are guaranteed boarding but are required to share a berth with another passenger until their ticket is confirmed. Since two passengers occupy a single berth, they were often given only one bedroll kit to share.

ALSO READ: Vande Bharat Freight Train trials start: India's first parcel EMU reaches 145 km/h

A senior Railway official said all concerned staff, including Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs), onboard personnel and housekeeping teams, have been instructed to ensure the new directive is implemented with immediate effect.

The Railway Ministry, in a letter dated August 4, said complaints about the non-provision or inadequate supply of bedroll kits to RAC passengers were still being received from almost all railway zones.

"In view of the above, it is reiterated that the Railway Board's instructions must be strictly followed to ensure that every RAC passenger travelling in AC coaches (except AC Chair Car) is provided with a complete bedroll kit at par with other bona fide passengers travelling in the coach," the ministry said.

ALSO READ: No more dirty bedsheets on trains? Indian Railways rolls out AI cameras to check linen quality

Passengers who do not receive a bedroll kit during their journey have been advised to contact the onboard TTE or lodge a complaint through the Rail Madad Helpline (139).

The decision is expected to improve comfort and hygiene for RAC passengers travelling overnight in air-conditioned coaches across the Indian Railways network.