Indian Railways: Indian Railways has launched a major convenience for sleeper class passengers. Starting January 1, 2026, the Chennai division will provide sanitized, ready-to-use bedrolls on-demand to non-AC sleeper passengers. Launched after the success of a pilot project, this service will provide pillows, pillow covers, and bedsheets at affordable prices. Initially, this facility will be implemented on 10 trains. This initiative improves passenger comfort, hygiene, and the travel experience.

Indian Railways: Good news for train passengers: they will now receive pillows and bedsheets in sleeper class. The Chennai division of Southern Railway has taken a significant step towards making sleeper class travel more comfortable and hygienic by announcing the launch of a sanitized, ready-to-use bedroll on-demand and on-payment service from January 1, 2026. This service is the first of its kind on Indian Railways, allowing non-AC sleeper passengers to pay for and use bedrolls as needed.

Pilot Project a Great Success

Previously, sleeper class passengers lacked organized bedroll access. Addressing this problem, the Chennai Division launched a pilot project in 2023–24 under the New Innovative Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (NINFRIS). Following the overwhelmingly positive response from passengers, the Railways decided to implement it as a permanent non-fare revenue (NFR) service.

What benefits will passengers receive?

Increased comfort for sleeper class passengers
Easily available affordable and clean bedrolls
Improved overall travel experience
Source of additional revenue for the Railways

Under this service, a licensed agency will manage the entire procurement, machine washing, packing, loading, distribution, and storage of bedrolls. In the initial phase, this facility will be available on 10 trains in the Chennai Division. This service will generate an annual license fee of ₹2,827,653 for the Railways over a three-year period.

How much will passengers have to pay?

Bedsheet, one pillow, and pillow cover: ₹50
One pillow and pillow cover: ₹30
One bedsheet: ₹20

Which 10 trains will be covered by this service?

Nilgiri Superfast Express
Manaluru Superfast Express
Manargudi Express
Tiruchendur Superfast Express
Palghat Express
Silambu Superfast Express
Tambaram-Nagercoil Superfast
Thiruvananthapuram Superfast
Alleppey Superfast
Mangaluru Express

Will bring positive change to the passenger experience

With this initiative, the Chennai Division has taken a major step towards strengthening passenger-centric amenities and increasing revenue through innovation. This combination of cleanliness, convenience, and affordability is set to elevate the rail travel experience in India to a new level.

Disclaimer: India Employment News does not provide any buying or selling recommendations related to the stock market. We publish market analysis based on market experts and brokerage firms. However, make market decisions only after consulting certified experts.