Indian Railways launches AI stain detection pilot for linen quality in 4 divisions
Synopsis
Indian Railways is testing AI-powered cameras to automatically detect stains on washed linen in four divisions — a quiet but significant quality upgrade that could reshape hygiene standards for millions of AC passengers if the pilot scales nationally.
Key Takeaways
Indian Railways has launched an AI-camera stain detection pilot in laundries at Pune Division , Central Railway , and Jaipur and Jodhpur divisions , North Western Railway .
The initiative was disclosed in Parliament on 25 July 2025 by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw .
Each AC class bedroll contains two bed sheets , one pillow cover , and one hand towel ; the blanket cover sheet is washed after every single use .
Blanket covers are now being provided to all AC passengers on North Western Railway trains and the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train (Kamakhya–Howrah).
CCTV surveillance has been installed at 3,215 railway stations and 13,409 passenger coaches network-wide.
Indian Railways has launched a pilot project deploying automated AI-camera stain detection technology in mechanised laundries across four railway divisions — Pune Division and Jaipur and Jodhpur divisions under North Western Railway, and Central Railway — to assess the cleanliness and quality of washed linen supplied to passengers. The initiative was disclosed to Parliament on Friday, 25 July 2025, in a reply to a Rajya Sabha question by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
What the Pilot Covers
The AI-camera system is designed to automatically identify stains on linen after washing, providing an objective quality check that supplements human inspection. This is part of a broader effort by Indian Railways to ensure that passengers travelling in AC classes receive clean and hygienic bedroll in every trip.
Alongside the AI pilot, Whito-Meters are already deployed across all mechanised laundries to measure the whiteness and cleaning effectiveness of linen. CCTV cameras have also been installed across laundries under Indian Railways to monitor laundry operations in real time.
What Passengers Receive in Each Bedroll
Each standard bedroll packet provided to AC class passengers contains two bed sheets, one pillow cover, and one hand towel. One bed sheet is placed on the sleeper seat, while the second serves as a covering layer under the blanket — ensuring the blanket does not come into direct contact with the passenger's body. This blanket cover sheet is washed after every single use.
As an additional passenger-comfort measure, blanket covers are now being provided to all AC class passengers on trains operated by North Western Railway and on the newly launched Vande Bharat Sleeper Train running between Kamakhya and Howrah. Minister Vaishnaw noted that 'this initiative has been widely appreciated by the passenger.'
Linen Lifecycle and Replacement Norms
The codal life of railway linen items is prescribed under extant Railway rules and is reviewed periodically, taking into account usage, condition, and serviceability. Linen found unserviceable is withdrawn and replaced in line with prescribed norms, according to the minister's statement.
CCTV Expansion Across the Rail Network
Beyond laundries, Indian Railways has undertaken a network-wide CCTV surveillance expansion to strengthen passenger safety. So far, surveillance systems have been installed at 3,215 railway stations and across 13,409 passenger coaches, with further installations planned across stations, coaches, and other railway premises.
The AI linen pilot, if successful, could be scaled to other divisions, potentially setting a new quality benchmark for railway hospitality across the country's vast rail network.
Point of View
A four-division pilot is a proof-of-concept, not a solution. Historically, Railways has announced hygiene improvements that remained confined to select zones or premium trains. Whether this pilot generates standardised data, feeds into procurement decisions, and eventually reaches non-metro divisions will determine whether it moves the needle on passenger trust or remains a parliamentary talking point.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indian Railways AI stain detection pilot project?
It is a pilot initiative in which automated AI-camera systems are deployed in mechanised laundries to detect stains on washed linen and verify cleaning quality. The pilot is currently running in laundries at Pune Division (Central Railway) and Jaipur and Jodhpur divisions (North Western Railway).
Which railway divisions are part of the AI linen pilot?
The pilot covers four divisions: Pune Division under Central Railway, and Jaipur and Jodhpur divisions under North Western Railway. These were identified as initial test sites before any potential network-wide rollout.
What linen do AC class passengers get on Indian Railways?
AC class passengers receive a bedroll packet containing two bed sheets, one pillow cover, and one hand towel. One bed sheet covers the sleeper seat and the second acts as a blanket cover layer, which is washed after every single use.
Where are blanket covers being provided as a new initiative?
Blanket covers are being provided to all AC class passengers on trains operated by North Western Railway and on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train running between Kamakhya and Howrah. The minister noted the initiative has been widely appreciated.
How many railway stations and coaches have CCTV surveillance?
As of the latest parliamentary update, CCTV surveillance systems have been installed at 3,215 railway stations and 13,409 passenger coaches, with further installations planned across the network to strengthen passenger safety.
