Indian Railways is launching a major initiative to curb the rising trend of bedroll theft from AC coaches, a problem that has resulted in a staggering financial loss of Rs 104.51 crore between January 2022 and May 2026. With approximately 1.27 crore items reported missing, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed officials to finalize a comprehensive reform plan within the next two months to safeguard railway property and improve service efficiency.
- Losses include 46.54 lakh face towels and 41.13 lakh bedsheets stolen since post-pandemic service resumption.
- Theft of bedroll items is a punishable offense under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1966.
- Penalties range from one year in jail for first-time offenders to five years for repeat offenses.
- New measures include RFID chip tracking and increased RPF surveillance to monitor linen distribution.
Strict Enforcement and Legal Consequences
It is important for passengers to note that taking away pillows, blankets, or sheets provided by the Railways is a non-bailable offense. Under current guidelines, linen distribution staff are instructed to collect all items 30 minutes before deboarding. Passengers are expected to cooperate fully to ensure these amenities remain available for future travelers. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is now being empowered to conduct more thorough checks, including the potential search of luggage if stolen property is suspected.
Technological Solutions for Better Asset Management
To combat the volume of theft, the national transporter is turning to modern technology. Plans are underway to integrate RFID chips into linen for real-time digital monitoring and to install invisible sensors at coach exit gates to detect missing items. These steps are part of the broader “52 reforms in 52 weeks” initiative. Furthermore, divisions like Bikaner have already begun utilizing the Coach Mitra app to streamline the distribution and collection process. These systemic changes aim to ensure that the linen service remains a convenient and reliable part of the Indian Railways passenger experience without the burden of recurring financial losses.