CHENNAI:Non-AC sleeper class travellers on trains run by the Chennai division will soon be able to request sanitised, ready-to-use and returnable bedrolls on an on-demand, on-payment basis from coming January 1. Until now, sleeper class passengers did not have access to organised provision of bedrolls.
A pilot of the first-of-its-kind project was implemented by the Chennai division under the innovative non-fare revenue ideas scheme in 2023–24. The response was overwhelming, prompting the railways to introduce this service as a regular non-fare revenue initiative, said a Southern Railway statement.
A package of one bedsheet, pillow and pillow cover would cost Rs 50, one pillow and a pillow cover will cost Rs 30 and one bedsheet alone costs Rs 20.
Under this initiative, a licensee will manage the entire process, including procurement, mechanised washing, packing, loading, distribution, and storage of bedrolls. The service will initially be implemented on 10 trains maintained by the Chennai Division for a period of three years, generating an annual license fee of Rs 28.27 lakh.
This service will enhance comfort for sleeper class passengers and improve their overall travel experience, besides generating additional revenue for the Railways.
The facility will be available on train 12671/12672 Nilgiri Superfast Express, 12685/12686 Mangalore Superfast Express, 16179/16180 Mannargudi Express, 20605/20606 Tiruchendur Superfast Express, 22651/22652 Palghat Express, 20681/20682 Silambu Superfast Express, 22657/22658 Tambaram-Nagercoil Superfast Express, 12695/12696 Trivandrum Superfast Express, 22639/22640 Alleppey Superfast Express, 16159/16160 Mangalore Express, according to the Southern Railway.