₹104.51 Crore Lost as 1.27 Crore Railway Bedroll Items Go Missing

New Delhi: Indian Railways is facing a significant financial challenge after more than 1.27 crore bedroll items supplied to passengers in air-conditioned coaches were reported missing over a four-year period, causing an estimated loss of ₹104.51 crore to contractors providing linen services.

The figures were revealed through information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which showed that bedsheets, blankets, towels, pillows and pillow covers supplied for AC coach passengers disappeared between January 2022 and May 2026.

Railway authorities have expressed concern over the increasing incidents and are planning stronger monitoring measures to prevent further losses.

AC Coach Bedroll Theft Causes Major Financial Impact

Passengers travelling in AC First Class, AC Two-Tier and AC Three-Tier coaches receive complimentary bedroll kits as part of their travel service. These kits generally include a bedsheet, blanket, pillow, pillow cover and towel.

However, repeated disappearance of these items has created financial pressure on both Indian Railways and private contractors responsible for supplying and maintaining the linen.

The RTI response, collected from railway divisions across the country, revealed that 54 divisions from 16 railway zones provided data on missing bedroll items. The information showed that theft incidents increased significantly after services resumed in January 2022 following their suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rajasthan, Delhi and Other Divisions Report Highest Losses

According to the available data, several railway divisions recorded a large share of reported theft cases. Divisions including Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaipur in Rajasthan, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Sonpur, Danapur and Bilaspur accounted for nearly two-thirds of the reported missing items.

The data also showed different divisions reporting the highest losses for specific items. Bikaner recorded the largest number of missing bedsheets, Delhi reported the highest towel losses, Sonpur recorded the most missing pillow covers, while Jodhpur had the highest number of missing blankets.

Railway officials believe that most incidents occurred in AC coaches, where passengers are provided with linen kits during journeys.

Staff Report Salary Deductions Over Missing Items

Employees involved in bedroll distribution and collection have raised concerns over the financial impact of missing items.

According to coach attendants, contractors often recover the cost of missing linen from employees’ salaries, creating additional pressure on frontline workers responsible for handling passenger services.

Staff representatives have sought improved systems to track bedroll movement and ensure accountability without unfairly burdening workers.

Some Railway Divisions Record Zero Theft Cases

While several divisions reported major losses, some areas recorded no bedroll theft incidents during the review period.

The Tiruchirappalli and Palakkad divisions of Southern Railway reported zero cases, while the Adra division of South Eastern Railway also recorded no such incidents. Railway officials said improved monitoring practices and passenger awareness may have contributed to better results in these regions.

Railways Plans Stronger Monitoring Measures

The Ministry of Railways has described the issue as misuse of public property and stated that steps are being taken to control the problem.

Officials clarified that there is currently no confirmed evidence indicating the involvement of railway employees in the thefts. Authorities are focusing on better surveillance, passenger awareness campaigns and stricter action against individuals found responsible.

The Railways aims to reduce financial losses and protect public resources by improving tracking systems and strengthening accountability across its passenger service operations.