Rise in thefts of bedsheets, blankets and towels from air-conditioned railway coaches !

Passengers may face immediate arrest to curb thefts

New Delhi – Incidents of theft of bedsheets, blankets and towels from air-conditioned coaches of Indian Railways have increased sharply in recent years. Considering the loss of crores of rupees suffered by the Railways due to this problem, the Ministry of Railways has now begun taking highly stringent measures. According to railway officials, a proposal is also under consideration to authorise the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to arrest thieves on the spot.

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1. According to the Railways, the bedroll service (bedsheets, blankets and towels) was resumed in January 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Thereafter, by May 2026, that is, within just four years and three months, bedrolls worth ₹1.27 crore were stolen across the Railways’ 16 zones.

2. To permanently stop these thefts, tiny RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips will now be attached to railway bedsheets, towels and blankets. In addition, invisible digital sensors will be installed at the exit gates of railway coaches. If any passenger attempts to leave with a railway bedsheet or towel concealed in a bag, the sensors will immediately trigger an alert.

3. The Railway Administration has appealed to passengers to hand over their bedrolls to railway staff at least 30 minutes before alighting from the train.

4. Railway staff deployed in the coaches have also been instructed to remain more vigilant to prevent such thefts.