Indian Railways is set to launch a major initiative within the next two months to address the alarming rise in bedroll thefts across its AC coach network. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed on July 14, 2026, that the ministry is finalizing a comprehensive strategy to secure linen and mitigate the heavy financial losses faced by contractors. Key highlights of the situation include:
- 1.27 crore bedroll items were reported stolen between January 2022 and May 2026.
- The pilferage caused an estimated financial loss of ₹104.51 crore.
- Theft incidents surged by 56% between 2022 and 2025.
- Face towels and bedsheets remain the most targeted items by thieves.
- Authorities are shifting toward RFID technology to track individual items in real-time.
Technological Solutions and RFID Integration
To tackle this persistent issue, the Railway Ministry is exploring the deployment of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. By embedding chips costing between ₹20 and ₹50 into each item, officials plan to install sensors at train exit points that will trigger alarms if unauthorized removal occurs. With scanner systems estimated to cost between ₹20,000 and ₹30,000 per coach or station, the Railways believes this investment is far more economical than absorbing the recurring losses caused by theft. Initial frameworks for this technology are already being developed by the Central and Western Railways for implementation on premium trains.
Existing Security Measures and Recent Trends
While the new reforms are pending, the Railways continues to rely on a multi-layered security approach. Current deterrents include CCTV surveillance, the ‘Coach Mitra’ app, and active monitoring by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), which holds the authority to arrest suspects without a warrant under the Railway Property Act.
Data indicates that certain divisions are already seeing positive results through these efforts; notably, the Delhi Division recorded a 79% reduction in theft cases during the recent period. Currently, contractors remain financially liable for missing items, with costs deducted directly from their payments. However, the ministry’s upcoming two-month plan aims to standardize this security across all zones, specifically targeting high-theft areas such as Bikaner, Ranchi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad. Passengers are encouraged to cooperate with onboard staff as these new security protocols are rolled out to ensure a safer and more comfortable travel experience.