Indian Railways is under fire after revealing that the woollen blankets provided in AC coaches are only washed once or twice a month. Following an RTI interview by The New Indian Express, the Ministry of Railways confirmed that while linen is cleaned after each use, woollen blankets receive far less frequent laundering, depending on logistics and capacity.

The news has sparked outrage among travellers, many of whom took to social media to express their disgust. One user wrote, “That’s is a scare because it can lead to massive viral infection. This is very scary and how is this even allowed.” Another shared a personal experience, saying, “got chicken pox after a trip in an AC coupe.”

Many users are now considering bringing their own blankets instead of using those provided by the railways. Comments such as, “Not going to use them anymore...Bring your own blankets,” and “I won't be using those blankets again. I'd prefer 2-3 white sheets instead. At least white chaddar are clean."

The concern over hygiene is real, with one user commenting, “Seriously? absolutely disgusting!” and another adding, “Ewww..thats unhealthy… and so unhygienic.” There was even a humorous jab at politicians, with one user quipping, “"Putting the tax money to good use - in politicians Swiss bank!"

Reports indicate that most long-distance trains only wash their blankets monthly, with cleaning occurring more often only if they become stained or smelly. A housekeeping staff member confirmed this practice, stating that blankets are folded neatly and sent for laundry only if they exhibit foul odours or food stains.

Indian Railways operates around 46 departmental laundries and 25 BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) laundries across the country, but the frequency of blanket cleaning remains a point of contention for travellers.

Passengers paying for AC travel are already charged for the bedrolls, which include pillows and bed sheets, and additional costs apply on certain trains like Garib Rath and Duronto.