Indian Railway New Initiative: Indian Railways has taken an important step keeping in mind the convenience of the passengers. Under this, special attention will now be given to the cleanliness of bedsheets and pillow covers used in the AC coaches of the train. Apart from this, washing of blankets will also be done every 15 days instead of once in a month. Railways has also started work in this direction.
To implement this decision, the Railway Ministry has started work at the Railway Laundry in Guwahati. After this decision, passengers are now expected to get a better experience in matters related to cleanliness. The team of news agency IANS reached a railway laundry in Guwahati on Thursday (January 2, 2025), where the work of washing blankets and sheets has been started.
“Blanket washes at 80- 90 degree temperature”
Neepan Kalita, senior engineer, Guwahati Railway, told IANS that the process of cleaning the blankets is very effective and fast. It takes only 45 minutes to clean one blanket. The blanket is first divided into four parts and washed. During the washing process the blanket is washed at a temperature of 80 to 90 degrees. After this it is dried in a dryer. Sometimes the washing and dyeing process may take a little extra time, but overall the blanket wash is completed in 50 to 55 minutes.
“It costs Rs 23.59 to wash the blanket.”
Guwahati Coaching Depot Manager Sudarshan Bhardwaj said that cleaning of bedsheets is done daily. It takes about 45 to 60 minutes. The bedsheet is put into the machine and then completely cleaned through wash, dry and steam iron. This entire process takes about 45 to 60 minutes. He said that the cost of washing one blanket (weighing 973 grams) is approximately Rs 23.59, which also includes GST. Similarly, it costs around Rs 23.58 to completely clean a bed roll. 60 percent of the employees working in this railway laundry are women, who are playing their role under the women empowerment initiative supported by the Prime Minister. This step is also a positive step towards women empowerment.
“Decision after increasing complaints of passengers”
Let us tell you that this decision has been taken by the Railways in view of the ever increasing complaints of passengers. Passengers often complained that blankets were often dirty and not washed properly.