After CAG rap, Rlys plans to stop blankets in AC coaches

New Delhi: TIMES NEWS NETWORK





Facing flak for supplying dirty blankets, railways is working on a pilot project to discontinue providing blankets in their air-conditioned (AC) coaches in some trains.

 

Recently , CAG, in its report tabled in Parliament, criticised railways on cleanliness and hygiene. On a trial basis, the railways will maintain the temperature at 24 °C, up from the cur rent 19°C to do away with the practice of providing blankets in AC coaches.

“We are trying to run a pilot on some trains,“ said a senior official. “We are not implementing it across all trains.“

As per the initial estimates, the move was a more economical option, considering that it takes `55 to clean the bedroll while passengers are charged `22 for its use.

According to railway guidelines, the blankets were to be washed every one to two months, which was not followed and the transporter was flooded with complaints.

Last year, the transporter started a scheme under which passengers with a confirmed ticket for travel can book the disposable bedrolls through IRCTC website or purchase from designated counters at the stations. The passenger can take it home after the journey .