In a major step towards enhancing passenger comfort, Southern Railway has announced that sleeper-class passengers will now be able to purchase hygienic bedroll sets—a facility that, until now, was offered only in AC coaches.
This new service will be available from January 1, 2026, initially rolling out across 10 major express trains.
The move comes as a relief to lakhs of non-AC passengers, especially those traveling long distances during the monsoon and winter seasons.
What Will Be the Prices In Sleeper Coach?
Passengers can choose from three options:
- Full Bedroll Set (Bedsheet + Pillow + Pillow Cover) → ₹50
- Bedsheet Only → ₹20
- Pillow + Pillow Cover → ₹30
The affordability factor is already being appreciated across social media platforms, with many calling it a “small step, big comfort.”
Trains Offering Bedroll Service in Phase 1
Southern Railway will launch the service in the following 10 express trains:
- Chennai- Mettupalayam Nilgiri Superfast Express
- Chennai – Mangaluru Superfast Express
- Chennai Egmore – Thanjavur Express
- Chennai Egmore – Tiruchendur Superfast Express
- Chennai – Palakkad Express
- Chennai Egmore – Sengottai Silambu Superfast Express
- Tambaram – Nagercoil Superfast Express
- Chennai – Thiruvananthapuram Superfast Express
- Chennai – Alappuzha Superfast Express
- Chennai Egmore – Mangaluru Express
Why This New Service? – Success of Pilot Under NINFRIS
This bedroll initiative comes under the Railways’ New Innovative Non-Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (NINFRIS), introduced in 2023-24.
A pilot version of this service had received overwhelmingly positive feedback, prompting the Railways to adopt it as a permanent offering.
To maintain high hygiene standards, the Railways will outsource all operational parts, including:
- Procurement
- Machine washing
- Packing
- Loading
- Distribution
- Storage
This ensures consistent quality and convenience for all passengers.
Revenue Boost for Railways
Southern Railway expects the service to generate approximately ₹28.27 lakh in additional revenue for the Chennai Division over the next three years.
It’s a win-win initiative, combining enhanced passenger comfort with increased non-fare earnings.
Final Take
Indian Railways continues to introduce smart, passenger-friendly upgrades.
With this new bedroll service, sleeper-class travel is set to become cleaner, more comfortable, and more convenient all at a very nominal cost.
Your Railway Guide will continue to bring you the latest updates on passenger amenities, new trains, services, and travel tips.
