Indian Railway New Guideline: There will be punishment for stealing blanket, bedsheet or towel Government

India’s vast railway network is often called the lifeline of the nation. It carries millions of passengers each day across thousands of kilometers and is staffed by a tireless workforce of over 1.2 million employees. The Indian Railways is not just a mode of transport—it is a symbol of connectivity, progress, and national pride. It also offers a wide range of passenger services, especially in AC coaches where travelers are provided with a comfort kit known as a “bedroll.” This typically includes a blanket, bedsheet, pillow, and a towel.

However, a large number of passengers may be unaware that these items are not for keeps. While they may seem like complimentary amenities offered along with the ticket, they are, in fact, railway property—meant only for use during the journey. Yet every year, thousands of these items mysteriously disappear, taken by passengers who assume there’s no harm in slipping a blanket or towel into their luggage. What many do not realize is that this action is not only unethical but also illegal, and punishable under Indian law.

The bedroll charges are included in the ticket price for AC passengers. That payment allows for the temporary use of the items; it does not give ownership of them. The Indian Railways considers it a form of theft if these items are not returned at the end of the journey. According to the Railways Property (Unlawful Possession) Act of 1966, taking railway property—whether by mistake or intent—can lead to severe consequences.

If a passenger is caught leaving a train with the bedroll items, they can be fined up to ₹1000. Refusal or inability to pay the fine can escalate the matter to criminal prosecution. In such a case, the offender may face up to one year of imprisonment. If the same person is caught again for a similar offense, the punishment becomes harsher, potentially leading to five years in prison along with a hefty fine. This law exists to protect railway property and maintain the integrity of services provided to all passengers.

The enforcement of this rule is not just theoretical. Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel are authorized to take swift action against those caught pilfering items. These authorities are stationed across train routes and at various junctions. They conduct regular inspections, and in many instances, attendants also keep watch on passengers to ensure items are returned after use.

From the perspective of Indian Railways, the issue is not just about cost or property loss—it is also about public responsibility. Each item taken represents a loss to the system and creates inconvenience for the next traveler who may be left without clean bedrolls. Maintaining hygiene, service standards, and efficiency becomes more difficult when items need frequent replacement due to theft or non-return. As such, these actions impact not only the railways but also fellow passengers.

In recent years, social media has occasionally spotlighted this issue through videos and stories of passengers being caught red-handed. These stories serve as both cautionary tales and reminders that certain social habits—often dismissed as minor—carry legal and ethical implications. For example, in one case, a passenger traveling from Delhi to Kolkata attempted to leave with a railway-provided blanket. An alert attendant noticed and reported the matter, resulting in the individual being detained and fined.

The Indian Railways spends a significant amount annually on laundry services and replacement of lost bedroll items. According to internal reports, hundreds of thousands of blankets and bedsheets are lost or stolen each year. The cost is not just in replacing these items but also in managing the logistics of constant replenishment and maintaining quality. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the railways temporarily suspended providing bedrolls to curb transmission risks, but now the service has resumed—with tighter monitoring and clearer communication about usage policies.

Another factor that complicates the issue is the mindset of some passengers who believe that, since they’ve paid a premium fare for an AC ticket, they are entitled to everything that comes with it. While their ticket cost may include service fees, that does not mean they have ownership rights over reusable assets. Much like in hotels, where towels and linen are provided but not meant to be taken, train services operate under the principle of shared utility—passengers borrow, not own, what’s provided.

Some travelers defend their actions with excuses such as needing an extra blanket at home or believing no one would miss a single item. But what may seem insignificant on an individual level becomes monumental when multiplied across millions of passengers. That’s why the government and railway authorities have emphasized public awareness. Posters, announcements, and even in-app notifications now remind passengers to return the bedroll at journey’s end.

Technology, too, is playing a role in curbing such incidents. Some railway zones have begun tagging bedroll items with QR codes and ID numbers. These codes help in tracking usage and ensuring accountability. Some trains also log item distribution and collection digitally, which helps attendants and security staff to follow up if something goes missing.

The law, while strict, is not just about punishing wrongdoers. It serves a broader purpose: instilling a sense of shared responsibility in public spaces. The Indian Railways, being one of the most widely used public services in the country, depends on passenger cooperation to function smoothly. This cooperation includes returning items provided for comfort and cleanliness.

Travel etiquette is not just about keeping your voice down or not occupying more than one seat. It also includes respecting the property that belongs to a shared system. Taking railway items as souvenirs or assuming it’s no big deal sets a precedent that undermines the very spirit of community transport. The message from the authorities is simple: use, don’t take.

For those who genuinely wish to purchase similar items, the Indian Railways has also considered launching merchandise initiatives where approved products, like souvenir blankets or towels, can be legally bought by interested passengers. But as far as the on-board bedroll goes—it stays with the train.

In conclusion, travelers must understand that the bedrolls and other items provided in AC coaches are not gifts or giveaways. They are part of a system designed for temporary comfort during a journey. Taking them away not only disrupts services for others but also violates the law. With fines ranging up to ₹1000 for first-time offenders and jail time up to five years for repeat offenses, the stakes are far too high for what is, at the end of the day, a borrowed blanket. Being mindful, returning what’s due, and respecting railway rules ensures not just smoother travel for you but for the millions who share the tracks with you.

So next time you travel by train, remember: that pillow you laid your head on and the blanket that kept you warm—it’s not yours to keep. Leave it behind, and you’ll be carrying home something much better: peace of mind.

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