Why are two bedsheets provided on trains? Are you also making the mistake of using both as covers?
You may have noticed that when traveling in an AC coach on Indian Railways, you are provided with a bedroll kit containing items such as two bedsheets, a blanket, and a pillow. Since the kit includes two sheets, people often wonder why two are provided—are both meant to be used as covers? Many of us do end up using both sheets as covers. Have you been doing the same? Recently, Rajya Sabha MP Chandrakant Damodar Handore raised this question in Parliament, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided a clear explanation. Here is his response and the answer to the question you might have:
Why are two bedsheets provided in AC coaches?
Responding in Parliament, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the Railways provides two sheets to AC passengers: the first is meant to be spread over the seat or berth so that any dirt on the seat or mattress does not come into direct contact with the passenger.
The second sheet is intended to be used as a cover. In other words, if you use the blanket, you should use this sheet along with it so that any dirt on the blanket does not come into direct contact with you. While many passengers use both sheets as covers, the Railways considers spreading one and using the other as a cover to be a more hygienic and convenient method.
What items are included in the Railway bedroll kit?
If you book a ticket in AC class, the bedroll kit contains the following items:
Two bedsheets
Pillow
Pillow cover
Hand towel
One blanket
If any of these items are missing, you can request them from the railway staff.
What is the stipulated usage period for Railway linen items?
To maintain the quality of the bedroll kits provided to passengers in AC coaches, there is a fixed duration for the usage of each linen item. In the Rajya Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the prescribed service life is 9 months for pillow covers and face towels, 12 months for handloom bedsheets, and 24 months for polyester bedsheets, pillows, and woollen blankets. Once the stipulated lifespan of these linen items expires, they are immediately replaced to ensure that passengers receive clean, high-quality bedrolls.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
