Indian Railways Deploys Tech to Curb Linen Theft

Indian Railways is intensifying efforts to prevent the theft of linen items from AC coaches, which has reached a staggering 1.27 crore items between 2022 and May 2026. Divisions are implementing a multi-faceted approach, including increased counselling for bedroll attendants, the use of the 'Coach Mitra' app for tracking inventory, and the installation of CCTV cameras in coaches. These measures aim to standardize the handling, distribution, and collection of essential passenger supplies across various railway zones.

The responsibility for linen security has been strictly assigned to contractors and their deployed staff, with financial penalties linked directly to losses recorded during journeys. In many divisions, such as the Bikaner division, the 'Coach Mitra' app is being used to verify the issuance and return of bedrolls for each passenger. Additionally, the Bhusaval Railway Protection Force has emphasized that theft of railway property, including linen, remains a non-bailable offence under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, allowing for lawful searches if necessary.

To ensure higher recovery rates, instructions have been issued for passengers to return used linen at least 30 minutes before reaching their destination. Various divisions are conducting surprise inspections and night patrols to further deter pilferage. These initiatives represent a concerted effort by the railway board to refine logistics and enhance passenger behaviour, as the service remains a vital component of comfortable travel for millions of Indian train users across the national network.