Indian Railways To Introduce Special Printed Blanket Covers In Select AC Coaches

If you're a regular traveler on Indian Railways and find the standard blue and white bedsheets a bit dull, we have some exciting news for you. To enhance your train journey, Indian Railways has launched a pilot project introducing specially designed printed blankets in select AC coaches. This initiative, unveiled by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Khatipura Railway Station in Jaipur, showcases traditional Sanganeri prints, adding a touch of Rajasthan's artistic culture to your travel experience.

The first passengers to enjoy these vibrant, washable covers were on the Jaipur-Ahmedabad (Asarva) Express at 8:45 p.m. on its inaugural day. This change addresses travelers' concerns about the cleanliness of shared blankets on overnight trips.

According to Minister Vaishnaw, these covers not only have an attractive design but are also made for durability, easy cleaning, and maintenance. They provide high-quality prints, and the project aims to improve comfort while showcasing India's rich textile heritage. "Just like we use covers on blankets at home, passengers will now find them in trains," the Minister noted, as reported by IANS.

Indian Railways Aims To Ultimately Implement This Nationwide

If this initiative is successful, it will be implemented nationwide, showcasing traditional prints from different states on Indian Railways. Many travelers have shown their support for the initiative, valuing its emphasis on hygiene.

If you’re curious about Sanganeri print, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s a traditional hand-block printing technique that has been practised for centuries in Sanganer, near Jaipur in Rajasthan. This art form is celebrated for its detailed floral patterns and elegant symmetry. Each design is meticulously stamped onto soft cotton or muslin fabric using hand-carved wooden blocks. The motifs are commonly drawn from flowers, creepers, and local plants, giving the textiles a light and airy charm. This means that not only will the blanket be visually appealing, but the fabric will also feel comfortable and soothing against your skin.