Sanganeri print washable blanket covers are a new initiative by Indian Railways that combine traditional Indian textile art with modern hygiene standards for train travel. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Sanganeri-Print Washable Blanket Covers: What They Are
They are blanket covers used in AC train coaches, printed with Sanganeri designs — a centuries-old woodblock printing technique from Sanganer, near Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The covers are:
- Washable and reusable, designed for easy cleaning and long life.
- Made from soft, durable cotton or blended fabric, suitable for frequent washing.
- Decorated with traditional floral and nature-inspired motifs printed using natural dyes.
Sanganeri-Print Washable Blanket Covers: Why Indian Railways Introduced Them
- Hygiene improvement: Passengers have often complained about reused or stained blankets. These covers help keep blankets clean and fresh since they can be washed frequently.
- Cultural promotion: They showcase India’s textile heritage, specifically the Sanganeri art form, giving each coach a touch of regional craftsmanship.
- Sustainability: Using natural dyes and washable materials reduces waste from disposable linens.
Sanganeri-Print Washable Blanket Covers: Pilot Project
The first trial has been launched on the Jaipur–Ahmedabad Asarva Superfast Express, with plans to expand the concept nationwide if it succeeds. Other trains might feature different regional prints — for example, Bagru prints from Rajasthan or Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh.
In short, these covers are eco-friendly, hygienic, and culturally rich fabric covers that make train travel more comfortable while celebrating Indian craftsmanship.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday inaugurated a pilot project at Jaipur’s Khatipura Railway Station, introducing washable blanket covers featuring traditional Sanganeri woodblock prints on the Jaipur–Ahmedabad Asarva Superfast Express.
Crafted using natural dyes and eco-friendly materials, the initiative aims to enhance hygiene and passenger comfort by reducing visible stains and addressing long-standing complaints about reused linens in AC coaches.
The project also seeks to promote India’s rich textile heritage, showcasing the timeless artistry of Rajasthan’s Sanganeri craft.
If the pilot proves successful, Indian Railways plans to expand the concept nationwide, featuring regional textile prints across routes — a move that could add cultural identity and aesthetic appeal to the six lakh linen packets supplied daily by the railways.