Indian Railways is preparing a comprehensive strategy to tackle the theft of blankets, bedsheets, pillows and towels from AC coaches after a large number of linen items went missing over the past few years.
The move follows a report highlighting that around 1.27 crore linen items disappeared between January 2022 and May 2026, prompting Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to seek a detailed action plan from officials.
Speaking during a press conference on the Railways’ “52 reforms in 52 weeks” initiative, Vaishnaw directed officials to prepare a timeline for implementing measures aimed at reducing such thefts.
According to RTI responses cited by The Indian Express, bedsheets, blankets, pillows, pillow covers and towels worth an estimated Rs 104.51 crore were stolen across 54 Railway divisions in 16 zones during the four-year period.
Also Read | Want 100% petrol instead of E20? Be ready to pay more, says Nitin Gadkari
The financial impact is largely absorbed by contractors, who often recover the losses from the wages of onboard bedroll attendants.
Coach Mitra App to digitally track bedrolls
One of the key solutions being adopted is the Coach Mitra mobile application.
The Bikaner division of North Western Railway, which recorded the highest number of linen thefts, has begun using the app to digitally monitor the issue and collection of bedrolls.
The system allows attendants to record when linen is handed over and collected, track passenger boarding and deboarding, and maintain a digital log for every coach. Railway officials believe this will make it easier to identify where and when linen goes missing instead of relying only on manual records.
QR codes and CCTV to improve monitoring
Railways is also considering attaching unique QR codes to individual linen items, including blankets, bedsheets and towels.
The codes can be scanned throughout the supply chain, from Railway laundries and storage centres to distribution inside coaches, making it easier to monitor each item’s movement.
At the same time, several Railway divisions are expanding the use of CCTV cameras inside coaches. The Ambala division of Northern Railway has already begun installing surveillance systems and storing linen in designated secure spaces to reduce theft. Officials expect CCTV footage to discourage theft while also helping investigations.
Stricter checks before and after every journey
Inventory management is also being tightened across divisions.
The Jodhpur division has introduced stricter verification of linen before trains depart and after they complete their journeys. Bedroll attendants are also receiving regular counselling on proper handling and accountability.
Also Read | Up to 100% tariffs on India? New US Bill targets Russian oil buyers
Similarly, the Salem division has increased inspections during loading and unloading, strengthened supervision at depots and stations, and proposed disciplinary action where responsibility for losses can be established.
Passengers and staff to play a bigger role
Railway authorities are also focusing on awareness among both passengers and staff.
Attendants are being instructed to stay vigilant, collect used linen on time and undergo regular sensitisation programmes. Building on earlier Railway Board directions, passengers are being reminded to return bedrolls at least 30 minutes before reaching their destination.
The Ranchi division has even started printing reminders directly on linen packets, making the instructions more visible.
More accountability and stronger enforcement
Several divisions have introduced dedicated attendants for every AC coach to improve monitoring. The Bhopal division says assigning one attendant to each coach has helped reduce thefts, while the South Western Railway has adopted a similar system.
Also Read | India condemns Hormuz attack after Indian sailor killed, lodges protest with Iran
The Kota division has added police verification of contractor employees as another layer of oversight.
Meanwhile, enforcement has also been strengthened. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been directed to conduct lawful searches of suspicious passengers’ luggage when railway linen is not returned. Night patrols and surprise inspections have also been stepped up, with railway authorities reiterating that theft of railway property is a non-bailable offence under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act.
FAQs:
Why is Indian Railways introducing QR codes on train linen?
QR codes will help digitally track blankets, bedsheets and towels from laundries to onboard collection.
What is the Coach Mitra app?
It is a digital system that records the issue and return of bedrolls and tracks linen distribution in AC coaches.
