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The clean, white bedsheets provided in AC coaches during train journeys offer passengers a comfortable experience. On long-distance trips, this amenity is considered one of the Railways' most important services. However, few people realize the cost involved in keeping these bedsheets clean. A recently surfaced departmental tender document has answered this question, and the figures have left people astonished.

**Cost to wash a single bedsheet**
According to the Railways' departmental laundry tender document, the official cost of washing a single bedsheet is merely ₹3.16. In other words, for less than five rupees, the Railways get a sheet cleaned and ready for reuse. This figure has sparked discussions among passengers and on social media. Many find it hard to believe that such a massive operation can be managed at such a low cost.

**Amenities for AC passengers**
Indian Railways provides a linen kit to passengers traveling in AC coaches. This typically includes a bedsheet, pillow, towel, and blanket. These amenities ensure a comfortable journey, especially during overnight or long-distance travel. Millions of passengers avail themselves of these facilities daily, requiring the Railways to regularly clean and maintain all these items.

**How ​​is such a low cost possible?**
Experts believe that the Railways handles laundry operations on a massive scale, which significantly reduces the cost per bedsheet. The Railways operate numerous modern laundry centers across the country where thousands of sheets are cleaned simultaneously using machinery. Operating at such a large scale keeps costs under control, allowing for better amenities to be provided to passengers at a lower expense.

**Catering to millions of passengers daily**
Indian Railways operates one of the world's largest rail networks. Millions of passengers travel by train every day, a significant number of whom travel in AC coaches. Consequently, the task of cleaning bedsheets, blankets, and towels is a massive undertaking in itself. The Railways must ensure that every passenger receives clean linen and that hygiene standards are never compromised.

A glimpse into a vast system revealed by a small figure
While a laundering cost of ₹3.16 might seem like a small amount, it offers a glimpse into the vast and well-organized operations of the Indian Railways. Cleaning, timely supplying, and maintaining the quality of millions of bedsheets is no easy task. This figure illustrates how the Railways provides amenities to passengers while managing resources on a massive scale. That is why even the story of a simple bedsheet offers an opportunity to understand the Railways' colossal system.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.