Indian Railways has taken a new step towards passenger comfort and hygiene, introducing a new airman design for providing cover-up garments in AC coaches. The move, which began this week, aims to make train travel more hygienic and enjoyable, which will in the long run reduce concerns about the cleanliness of train beds.
Airman design starts on Jaipur-Asarva Express
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav inaugurated the aircraft on Thursday, October 16. The first launch was on the Jaipur-Asarva Express, where all AC class passengers received garments with exposed covers. According to the ministry, the move promotes “hygiene, uniformity and improved onboard experience”, setting a new standard for passenger care.
Clean beds for better travel experience
Till now, road clothes were washed only once or twice a month, which created hygiene issues despite regular cleaning of waste and pillow covers. The covered mask system ensures that every passenger gets a freshly covered bed, making night journeys more enjoyable, especially for those who regularly use AC chambers.
Expansion plans across Indian Railways network
Currently at the airman stage, the design is being evaluated for passenger feedback and operational feasibility. However, Indian Railways is planning to expand the covered mask system to more routes across India, which if successful could set a new standard of cleanliness for the comfort of rail passengers.
Integrated Modernisation in Railways Budget 2025-26
This move is almost in line with the government’s larger efforts to modernise the rail network under the Union Budget 2025-26. A record Rs 9,960 crore has been allocated for road infrastructure in Rajasthan alone, supporting new trains, station upgrades and improved safety features. These upgrades reflect the government’s strong vision to transform the passenger experience through innovation and comfort-oriented planning.
Rajasthan’s Rail Revolution Vande Bharat and Station Development
Rajasthan Railways is moving ahead on the path of modernisation, operating 12 Vande Bharat Express services on major routes, providing faster and more comfortable travel options. Concurrently, under the Amrit Bharat Station Project, 85 road stations are being redeveloped – eight of which have been inaugurated this time – illustrating rapid structural growth.
Minister Vaishnav on passenger-centric development
Shedding light on the ongoing developments, Minister Ashwini Vaishnav remarked that the railways are progressing in “multifaceted areas”, from electrification and new trains to modernization of reservations. He added that beyond technology, the core ideology of the railways is to “transform the passenger experience”. The role of the AC coaches’ coverings is a small but significant part of this larger commitment to make every journey cleaner, safer and more satisfying.
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