Indian Railways has taken a creative step toward combining hygiene, comfort, and Indian craftsmanship with the launch of washable blanket covers featuring traditional Sanganeri prints. The pilot project, inaugurated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Khatipura Railway Station in Jaipur, marks the beginning of a new era in passenger amenities.
A fresh take on travel comfort
Under this new initiative, passengers in air-conditioned coaches of the Jaipur–Ahmedabad (Asarva) Express were the first to receive the newly designed blanket covers. The rollout began on Thursday night, aiming to redefine comfort standards for long-distance travellers while addressing one of the most common concerns: cleanliness.
For years, passengers have voiced dissatisfaction over the hygiene of shared blankets provided on trains. Responding to that feedback, Indian Railways introduced these washable covers to ensure that every passenger enjoys a clean and safe travel experience. Each traveller now receives an individually packed cover, designed for easy washing and reuse, combining functionality with cultural flair.
Celebrating Indian craftsmanship
The Sanganeri prints chosen for the covers represent Rajasthan’s centuries-old textile art, known for its vibrant hand-block patterns and natural dyes. Speaking at the event, Minister Vaishnaw said the initiative is not just about improving passenger comfort but also about celebrating India’s traditional arts and crafts.
“Just as we use blankets with covers at home, passengers will now receive the same comfort on trains. This initiative brings Indian tradition into modern travel while ensuring hygiene and sustainability,” he said. The Minister added that the fabric used has been specially selected for durability, easy maintenance, and long-lasting print quality.
Expanding passenger amenities
In addition to launching the pilot, the Minister inaugurated several development projects worth over ₹100 crore across 65 small and medium railway stations under the North Western Railway zone. These include new and extended platforms, digital signboards, coach position display systems, and an Integrated Passenger Information System to enhance travel convenience.
Passengers welcomed the initiative, praising the focus on hygiene and Indian culture. One traveller remarked, “Earlier, blankets were given without covers. Now, with clean, washable covers, we feel more comfortable and reassured about hygiene.” Another added, “I used to bring my own blanket due to allergies. This initiative shows that Railways is listening to its passengers.”
Towards a nationwide rollout
The pilot project in Jaipur serves as a test run, with the Railways planning to expand the initiative across the country if it receives positive feedback. Future rollouts may include traditional prints from different states, giving each region a unique representation on Indian Railways.
By merging passenger care with cultural heritage, Indian Railways continues to modernise its services while staying rooted in India’s rich traditions.
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