EXCLUSIVE: Optional bed rolls in railways could soon become a reality

The Indian Railways are often criticized for the lack of facilities for travellers and the lack of cleanliness has been one of the biggest challenges that the national carrier has grappled with. The quality of bedrolls and how they are not clean enough has featured as one of the top complaints of passengers. 

Informed sources tell Republic TV that the Ministry is considering on looking for a long-term solution. Soon the bedrolls may become an optional choice. 

"A proposal in this respect is under consideration and could be a reality soon," a top Rail Ministry source says. 

The idea is to ensure that the passengers who want the bedrolls can purchase them on their own and take it back with them. Also, when they travel they carry their own blankets and sheets. Disposable bed rolls could be one of the options that passengers could make use of. 

Doing away with bedrolls that are currently given to travellers in AC coaches will help railways save some cost. To clean a bedroll would cost appx Rs. 55-60 Rs for Railways and what gets charged to the user is Rs 22-25. This will, in turn, help railways save a decent amount of money. 

In February 2016, IRCTC had the availability of disposable bedrolls which passengers could buy through their website, or even from counters at stations.

 A bedroll kit packed in a non-woven fabric bag consisting of two cotton bed-sheets and one pillow at a cost of  Rs.140. and a blanket kit packed in a non-woven bag consisting of one blanket priced at Rs.110

Prima Facie an approval to do away with bedrolls has been given. It's just a matter of time before it is implemented.