Muslin wraps with state-specific designs may replace blankets in AC coaches of Railways | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Muslin wraps with state-specific designs may replace blankets in AC coaches of Railways

May 19, 2019 07:53 AM IST

Following the criticism, in April 2018, the railway changed the specification and started planning to move towards lighter blankets

Passengers travelling on air-conditioned coaches of Indian Railways will soon have lighter and printed Dohar or muslin wraps with state-specific designs printed on them instead of woolen blankets, said a railway official.

It was found that in 14 selected depots, under nine zonal railways, no blankets had been dry-washed in the said period.(Mujeeb Faruqui/ Hindustan Times)
It was found that in 14 selected depots, under nine zonal railways, no blankets had been dry-washed in the said period.(Mujeeb Faruqui/ Hindustan Times)

This comes after the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) July 2017 report rapped the railways for dirty blankets. Following the criticism, in April 2018, the railway changed the specification and started planning to move towards lighter blankets.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“Every state has some specialty when it comes to blankets. For instance, the Mahabodhi Express might have blanket with Buddha printed on it and Telangana Express might have local specialty and Rajasthan is famous for Jaipuri razayi. We have issued directions to zonal railways to purchase Dohar keeping in mind the local touch,” said Rajesh Aggarwal, member (rolling stock) of the railway board. Aggarwal said the process of placing orders for the new wraps has been started, and in a few months, new blanket will start replacing the old one.

“However, few woolen blankets in every coach will be available on demand basis in case passenger feels cold. The staff on board the train is asked to maintain the temperature in a way that passenger is not required woolen blanket,” said another railway official.

“Maintenance of woolen blanket is an issue for us and once it is replaced with a muslin one, which can be cleaned easily, we will preferably wash it on every usage,” said another official.

The CAG had collected data on number of blankets in use and those washed during the review (2012-2013 to 2015-2016) period in 33 selected depots of coaches.

It was found that in 14 selected depots, under nine zonal railways, no blankets had been dry-washed in the said period. And except for seven depots under five zonal railways, linens had not been sanitised in the other selected depots, the CAG had said.

Last year, the Railways had issued specifications instructing that the blankets be washed twice a month instead of existing practice of once in two months. As per the specifications, the material for the blankets was also to be changed to a washable-friendly material.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Faizan Haidar writes on the Delhi government, city politics, transport, aviation, and social welfare. A journalist for a decade, he also tracks issues such as trafficking and labour exploitation in Delhi and other states.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On