Train blankets to soon be cleaner and safer as Railways introduces Sanganeri print washable blanket covers. Here's all about it

If you’ve ever hesitated to use train blankets, unsure whether they were freshly washed or reused, Indian Railways has just introduced a solution aimed at enhancing both hygiene and comfort.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday launched a pilot project introducing washable blanket covers featuring traditional Sanganeri prints at Jaipur’s Khatipura Railway Station. The initiative began with passengers of the Jaipur–Ahmedabad (Asarva) Express receiving the new blanket cover packets, marking a major step toward improved passenger comfort and cleanliness.

Vaishnaw announced that if the Jaipur pilot proves successful, the initiative will be expanded nationwide. The washable covers are designed to address long-standing passenger concerns about the hygiene of shared blankets in trains. Each passenger will now receive a freshly laundered, printed cover to use with confidence during their journey.


The Minister noted that the fabric for these covers was chosen for durability, easy maintenance, and long-lasting prints, ensuring both practicality and aesthetics. He added that the project would also promote traditional Indian textiles, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity through regional prints on train linens.

“Just as we use covered blankets at home, passengers will now get the same experience in trains,” Vaishnaw said. “Over time, Indian Railways plans to introduce prints from various states to showcase local textile heritage.”

Currently, Indian Railways provides around six lakh linen packets daily, each containing two bedsheets, one pillow cover, a hand towel, and one blanket. Amid past concerns, the Northern Railways clarified that blankets are washed every 15 days and sterilized fortnightly using hot naphthalene vapour. In 2024, it also introduced UV robotic sanitisation to disinfect blankets after every trip using ultraviolet light.

The move signals Railways’ growing commitment to passenger hygiene, comfort, and sustainability while supporting India’s rich textile traditions.

All About Sanganeri Print

The Sanganeri print, promoted by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw through the new blanket cover initiative, holds deep cultural significance for Sanganer, the constituency of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. This centuries-old craft is a proud symbol of Jaipur’s textile heritage. Originating from the town of Sanganer near Jaipur, this art form is renowned for its delicate floral patterns and fine detailing achieved through traditional woodblock printing. Artisans use natural dyes derived from flowers, leaves, and fruits to create vibrant yet elegant designs. Each piece of fabric goes through multiple hand-printing stages, making the process labor-intensive but artistically rich. Known for its durability and timeless appeal, Sanganeri print continues to represent the fusion of heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainability — a living legacy of Rajasthan’s artistic tradition.