Special Printed Blanket Covers To Be Provided In Select Indian Trains' AC Coaches

Adding a dash of Rajasthan's artistic heritage to train travel, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched a new pilot project introducing blanket covers featuring traditional Sanganeri prints in select air-conditioned coaches. The initiative was unveiled at Jaipur's Khatipura Railway Station on Thursday and marks a fresh step toward improving passenger comfort and hygiene. On its first day, passengers aboard the Jaipur-Ahmedabad (Asarva) Express at 8:45 p.m. were the first to receive these colourful, washable covers. The move comes in response to long-standing passenger feedback about the cleanliness of shared blankets provided on overnight journeys.

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Explaining the concept, Minister Vaishnaw said the new covers are designed for "long life, easy washing, and durable print quality." He added that the project aims not only to enhance comfort but also to highlight India's rich textile traditions. "Just as we use blankets with covers at home, passengers will now receive them in trains," the Minister said, as per IANS. "If successful, this project will be expanded nationwide, and traditional prints from different states will be showcased on Indian Railways." According to reports, some passengers have welcomed the initiative, appreciating the added attention to hygiene.

यात्रियों की सुविधा के लिए नई पहल…
🚉 जयपुर-असारवा ट्रेन में कंबल के कवर की शुरुआत।
🚉 राजस्थान के 65 रेलवे स्टेशनों पर विभिन्न यात्री सुविधाओं का लोकार्पण।

📍खातीपुरा, राजस्थान pic.twitter.com/w3z3TCNSVZ

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) October 16, 2025

What Is The Sanganeri Print?

Sanganeri print is a centuries-old hand-block printing tradition from the town of Sanganer, near Jaipur in Rajasthan. This craft is renowned for its intricate floral motifs and graceful symmetry. Each design is carefully stamped onto soft cotton or muslin fabric using hand-carved wooden blocks. It is a process that requires both precision and patience. What makes Sanganeri prints stand out is their delicate detailing and the use of soft, natural hues on white or pastel backgrounds. The motifs are often inspired by flowers, creepers, and local flora. These give the textiles a light, breezy elegance.

Which Passengers Receive Blankets In Indian Railways?

In Indian Railways' AC coaches, passengers on overnight journeys are usually provided with a fresh bedding kit that includes a blanket, two sheets, and a pillow. First AC and Second AC travellers generally receive the full set, while Third AC passengers get it on longer routes, though not always on short or day trains. Executive and Chair Car classes typically don't include blankets unless the journey runs overnight.

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Other Recent Railway Initiatives

Alongside the pilot project concerning the blankets, the Railway Minister also inaugurated development works across 65 small and medium-sized railway stations under the North Western Railway. These include new and extended platforms, platform sheds, digital signboards, coach position display systems, and an Integrated Passenger Information System (IPIS).

If the pilot project succeeds, passengers on Indian Railways could soon see a new wave of regionally inspired designs depicted on the fabric of a commonly used item.