Indian Railways begins AI-based stain detection pilot project to boost quality of washed linen
New Delhi, July 24
Indian Railways has initiated the pilot project of using automated AI-camera stain detection technology in laundries at Pune Division, Central Railway and Jaipur and Jodhpur division, North Western Railway for ascertaining the quality of washed linen, the Parliament was informed on Friday.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, said that Indian Railways provides clean and hygienic linen to passengers travelling in AC classes in each trip.
"The Codal life of various linen items is prescribed under the extant Railway rules and is reviewed periodically based on usage, condition and serviceability. Linen items found unserviceable are withdrawn and replaced in accordance with the prescribed norms," informed the minister.
Each bedroll packet contains two bed sheets, one pillow cover and a hand towel.
One bed sheet is intended for keeping it on sleeper seat while the additional bed sheet provided in the standard bedroll kit is intended as a covering layer under blanket so that blanket is not in direct touch with the body of passenger. This blanket cover sheet is washed after single use.
"As a pilot initiative to enhance passenger experience, blanket covers are being provided to all AC class passengers in trains operated by North Western Railway and in newly launched Vande Bharat Sleeper Train operating between Kamakhya and Howrah. This initiative has been widely appreciated by the passenger," said the minister.
Whito-Meters are used in all mechanised laundries to check the effectiveness of cleaning of linen. CCTV cameras have been installed across laundries over IR to monitor laundry operations.
The minister also informed that Installation of CCTV surveillance systems at railway stations, passenger coaches and other railway premises has been planned across the network with the objective of strengthening passenger safety and enhancing security surveillance.
So far, CCTV surveillance systems have been provided at 3,215 railway stations and 13,409 passenger coaches.
— IANS
Reader Comments
About time! I've seen stains on Railway linen many times. But honestly, why only AC classes? Non-AC passengers also pay and deserve clean linen. However, the AI idea is innovative. Pune, Jaipur, and Jodhpur are good pilot locations. Hope they use robust algorithms to catch all stains—sometimes whitometer readings can be misleading. Overall, a positive step. 😊
Good initiative but let's see ground reality. AI cameras are fine, but what about the actual washing process? Many laundries still use manual methods. Also, CCTV in laundries is good for monitoring, but who watches the watchmen? 🤔 The blanket cover idea is indeed a hit—I've used it on Vande Bharat and it's comfortable. But Railway needs to ensure linen replacement cycle is followed strictly. No point AI detecting stains if old, worn-out sheets are still in use.
Interesting! Coming from abroad, I've noticed Indian Railways' effort to improve. AI-based stain detection is cutting-edge. The fact that 3,215 stations now have CCTV is impressive. However, I hope they also focus on laundry staff training and chemical quality. Whitometers are useful but can't detect all issues. The blanket cover sheet policy sounds logical. If implemented well, this can really enhance the travel experience. Keep innovating, Indian Railways! 🌟
Great step forward! 👍 I've traveled in AC coaches many times and sometimes found yellowish stains. AI can catch what human eyes miss. But I have one suggestion: why not deploy similar AI checks at the point of distribution? Many times clean linen gets dirty during handling. Also, appreciate the blanket cover initiative—I always felt uncomfortable with direct blanket contact. Hope Railway keeps passenger feedback loop active. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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