Indian Railways Introduces AI Powered System to Detect Stains on Train Bed Sheets

Indian Railways has begun using artificial intelligence to improve the quality of bed sheets and linen provided to passengers in AC coaches. Under a new pilot project, AI powered cameras are being used to identify stains on freshly washed bed sheets, helping railway authorities ensure that only clean and hygienic linen reaches travelers.

The initiative is currently being tested at mechanized laundry facilities in selected railway divisions. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the AI based stain detection system has been installed in the Pune Division of Central Railway and the Jaipur and Jodhpur Divisions of North Western Railway. The technology evaluates washed linen within seconds, making quality inspections faster and more accurate.

In addition to AI powered inspections, Indian Railways has strengthened monitoring by installing CCTV cameras in mechanized laundries across the country. These cameras allow officials to oversee the complete washing and linen handling process, ensuring proper hygiene standards are maintained throughout every stage of cleaning and packaging.

The railway network is also continuing to use Whito Meter equipment, which has long been employed to measure the cleanliness of washed linen. The new AI system is expected to complement existing quality checks rather than replace them, providing an additional layer of inspection before linen is sent to trains.

Passengers traveling in AC coaches receive a standard bedroll package that includes two bed sheets, one pillow cover, and one hand towel. One bed sheet is used on the berth, while the second acts as a protective layer between the passenger and the blanket. Railway officials confirmed that this blanket cover sheet is washed after every use to maintain hygiene.

To further improve passenger comfort, Indian Railways has also introduced blanket covers on selected services. The facility is currently available on trains operated by North Western Railway as well as the Kamakhya Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper service. Officials said the initiative has received encouraging feedback from passengers.

The Railways also follows a structured replacement policy for linen. Bed sheets, pillow covers, towels, and other linen items have a fixed service life and are inspected regularly. Any item found to be worn out or unsuitable for further use is removed and replaced with fresh linen in accordance with railway guidelines.

With the introduction of AI driven inspections, Indian Railways aims to raise hygiene standards and enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers. If the pilot project delivers the expected results, the technology could eventually be expanded to more railway divisions across the country, making cleaner and better quality linen a standard feature of train travel.