Starting January 1, 2026, Indian Railways has officially rolled out an on-demand, on-payment bedroll service for passengers traveling in non-AC sleeper coaches. This initiative, designed to significantly improve passenger comfort during long journeys, allows travelers to purchase fresh linen kits directly during their trip. The project was launched under the New Innovative Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (NINFRIS) for 2023–24 following a successful pilot run by the Southern Railway’s Chennai Division.
Key highlights of the new bedroll service include:
- Full bedroll kit (one bedsheet, one pillow, and one pillow cover) available for ₹50.
- Individual bedsheet available for ₹20.
- Individual pillow with cover available for ₹30.
- Blankets are currently not included in the sleeper class kit.
Expansion and Availability
The service was initially introduced across 10 major express trains managed by the Southern Railway. These include the Nilgiri Superfast Express, Chennai–Mangaluru Superfast Express, Mannargudi–Chennai Egmore Express, Chennai Egmore-Thanjavur Express, Chennai Egmore-Tiruchendur Superfast Express, Palakkad–Chennai Superfast Express, Silambu Superfast Express, Tambaram–Nagercoil Superfast Express, Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram Superfast Express, and the Chennai-Alappuzha Superfast Express.
As of July 18, 2026, the railway administration has not issued any further updates regarding changes to the rental pricing or the inclusion of additional trains under this scheme. Passengers are encouraged to check for availability on their specific routes as the network-wide expansion continues to evolve. This move marks a major shift in passenger amenities for non-AC travelers, who previously had to carry their own bedding for overnight journeys. By providing a low-cost, on-demand solution, Indian Railways aims to bridge the comfort gap between AC and non-AC travel classes, ensuring a more pleasant experience for millions of daily commuters.