In a move to improve onboard hygiene and passenger comfort, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday launched a pilot project providing blankets with printed covers to AC passengers travelling on the Jaipur–Asarva Express.
The initiative, introduced at Khatipura Railway Station in Jaipur, replaces the earlier system where passengers received an extra bedsheet to serve as a makeshift blanket cover. Under the new setup, each AC passenger, across First, Second, and Third AC classes will receive a blanket with a dedicated cover as part of the standard bedroll kit.
"Blankets have been used in our railway system for years, but there has always been a doubt in the minds of our passengers. To remove that doubt, a new initiative of giving blanket covers has been taken today," said Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. "This step ensures better hygiene and comfort,” Vaishnaw said, adding that concerns about blanket cleanliness had remained since they were typically washed only once a month. “The use of removable, washable covers will help maintain hygiene and give passengers confidence in the quality of onboard amenities.”
What about future expansion?
The service will initially be available on the Jaipur-Asarva Superfast Express (Train No. 12981), which completes its journey in about 11 hours and 55 minutes. Officials said the pilot will help assess passenger feedback before expanding the facility to AC coaches nationwide.
According to railway sources, if the project succeeds, similar upgrades will be rolled out across other premium trains in phases. The goal, they added, is to standardize comfort amenities while keeping maintenance practical and cost-effective.
Parallel upgrades across Rajasthan
Vaishnaw also inaugurated a number of station upgrades throughout the divisions of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, and Bikaner during the launch event. To enhance accessibility and the commuter experience, these will include higher platform heights, modern Passenger Information System and new digital signage at smaller stations.
Officials said the Railways have refined procurement and maintenance processes to ensure quality across amenities, including those in AC coaches. With the addition of washable blanket covers, the ministry hopes to address one of the most frequent passenger complaints regarding the bed hygiene, especially during winter travel.
If successful, the initiative could mark a shift in how onboard comfort is managed, blending improved cleanliness with efficient service delivery.
