The Issue of 'Unclean Linen'; ER and SER Enhance Facilities for Passenger Comfort
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Kolkata, Nov 30 (NationPress) Following a push from the Ministry of Railways and the Railway Board, both Eastern Railway (ER) and South Eastern Railway (SER), which have their headquarters in Kolkata, announced that they are committed to ensuring the distribution of clean linen to passengers in air-conditioned coaches.
The quality of linen provided has raised significant concerns, prompting numerous complaints from passengers, including those directed to the railway minister. Even passengers aboard premium services like the Rajdhani Express have voiced their dissatisfaction after receiving unwashed pillow covers, bedsheets, and face towels.
"We are implementing every possible measure to provide fresh linen to all travelers, including those with RAC tickets. Under ER, we operate mechanized cleaning facilities at Tikiapara, Sealdah, Chitpur, Asansol, Malda, and Bhagalpur. These six laundries collectively can wash an average of 38 tonnes of linen daily across 2-3 shifts. After each return trip of an ER-operated train, bedrolls, pillowcases, and towels are thoroughly laundered. Adequate supplies of clean linen are available for both the Up and Down journeys," stated a senior ER official.
While passengers remain skeptical, the official asserted that blankets are laundered every 15-30 days, or sooner if necessary. He pointed out that home-used blankets are rarely washed more than once annually.
At best, they are aired out in the sun and beaten to eliminate dust. A passenger quickly remarked that blankets at home are typically not used by anyone outside the family.
In reply, the official explained, "That is why we provide two bedsheets. One is meant to cover the blanket, preventing direct contact with a passenger's body. The air-conditioning in trains is maintained at a comfortable 24 degrees Celsius. Few passengers actually utilize blankets at that temperature. Nonetheless, if a soiled blanket is detected, it is promptly replaced. The dirty blanket is sent for a dry wash to a laundering facility immediately."
He elaborated on how ER has improved its capacity to manage used linen by introducing new machines such as washers, dryers, calendaring machines (for ironing), and dry cleaning machines. Although all laundries are run by contractual staff, every operation is closely supervised by railway officials. Following each wash, officials conduct sample checks. If any unclean bedroll is discovered, the entire batch is sent for a rewash.
An SER official mentioned that mechanized laundries under its jurisdiction are situated in Santragachi, Ranchi, Chakradharpur, and Tatanagar. Their combined average capacity is 19 tonnes of linen daily, which is adequate to supply 19,000 packets of clean linen each day.
