Railways washes linen everyday, blanket once in two months
The Indian Railways has said it washes all bed linen provided to passengers on trains, including bed sheets, pillow covers and towels, after every single use. Only blankets are washed in gaps, but at least once every two months, said MoS Railways Rajen Gohain. 65% of the linen is cleaned in mechanized laundries inside railway premises and the rest at contractual laundries, Gohain added.
In July, the CAG had criticized the railways over management of linen. According to its report, no blankets had been dry-washed in 14 out of 33 selected depots during 2012-2016. In 12, blankets had been washed in intervals of 6-26 months. Linens had been sanitized in only seven. The Railways mandates washing linen after every use, but there was no compliance, CAG noted.
In its report, the CAG had batted for a mechanism to ensure strict compliance with norms. Gohain said in Parliament, "Regular inspections are carried out by officers and supervisors for compliance to the norms for washing of linen items." "Sample checking of washed linen is done before dispatch from laundry." If work is unsatisfactory or passengers complain, "suitable penalty is imposed," he added.
