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While traveling in air-conditioned (AC) coaches of Indian Railways, many passengers often face the problem that the temperature of the bogie becomes colder than necessary at night. Especially in 3rd AC and 2nd AC, passengers sleeping on berths near the window or AC vent, children and elderly people, even a blanket given to them starts shivering. In such a situation, a question arises in the minds of most of the passengers whether a second blanket can be asked from the coach attendant and whether any extra money or charge has to be paid for it.
The simple and obvious answer is: No, you do not have to pay a single rupee extra for an extra blanket.
As per the official rules of Indian Railways, when you book a confirmed ticket of AC coach (1st AC, 2nd AC, 3rd AC and 3E), the bedroll (bed, sheet, pillow and blanket) charges are already included in that fare. If during the journey you are feeling very cold, unwell or the thickness of the blanket given to you does not seem sufficient, you can ask for an additional blanket from your coach attendant.
This feature is completely free it occurs. No coach attendant or staff of the Railways can legally demand a tip or extra charge from you for providing extra blanket or sheet.
Despite being a free facility, getting extra blanket completely depends on the availability of blanket in the train. The Linen Management of Railways works under the following arrangement:
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Bedroll Quota: Bedroll packets are loaded in each AC coach according to the total number of passengers. Along with this, some extra sets (buffer stock) are also kept in the coach for emergency or additional needs.
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Delivery based on availability: If extra blankets are available in the bogie, the attendant gives you another blanket without any hesitation. However, if the train is fully packed and extra blankets are limited, attendants give priority to sick persons, small children or elderly passengers first.
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Extra Sheet Option: Many times when extra blankets are not available, the coach attendant provides an extra cotton bedsheet to the passenger, which can be put over the blanket to reduce the effect of cold to a great extent.
Just asking for a blanket is not the solution; According to railway rules, the temperature of the AC coach should also be within the prescribed standards.
As per Indian Railways guidelines, the temperature inside the AC coach is generally 23 to 25 degrees Celsius Should be kept under control. If it is extremely cold in the coach and the temperature has gone much below this limit, you can request the coach attendant or on-duty AC technician (AC Mechanic/Escorting Staff) to readjust (increase) the temperature. The technicians set the temperature to normal level from the control panel, providing relief to all the passengers in the bogie.
If the coach attendant refuses to give you an extra blanket even though you have it, misbehaves or demands money in exchange for the extra blanket, you can immediately lodge a complaint through these official channels:
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Rail Madad Helpline (RailMadad 139): Dial 139 from your mobile and lodge a complaint by sharing your seat, coach number and PNR. This is a 24×7 proactive service where immediate action is taken.
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Rail Madad App or Website: Visit ‘RailMadad’ app or portal (railmadad.indianrailways.gov.in) and lodge complaint in ‘Coax Linen/Bedroll’ category.
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Social Media (X/Twitter): With your PNR number, train number and coach number @RailMinIndia And post tagging the concerned zonal railway. The social media wing of the Railways takes the problem to the attendant in the running train itself and gets it resolved.