Indian Railways recorded the loss of over 1.27 crore linen items from AC coaches between 2022 and 2026, causing a ₹104.51 crore financial burden. The issue primarily affects bedroll contractors, who often deduct these costs from staff wages, leading to potential operational instability for service providers.
Indian Railways has highlighted a significant operational challenge as reports confirm that over 1.27 crore linen items, including bedsheets, blankets, and towels, have gone missing from air-conditioned coaches over the last four years. Data covering the period from January 2022 to May 2026 indicates a steady rise in such incidents, with theft rates climbing by 56% during this timeframe. Face towels emerge as the most frequently taken items by passengers, though regional trends show that blankets and pillow covers also face high rates of disappearance in specific zones.
The financial impact of these losses is estimated at ₹104.51 crore. While the Railways procures these supplies, the direct financial burden frequently falls on private bedroll contractors who manage onboard services. These contractors often pass the cost of missing inventory to their staff, resulting in salary deductions for coach attendants. This practice has created friction within the service ecosystem, with some contractors opting to end their service agreements early due to the unsustainable financial strain.
Geographically, the issue is concentrated in specific areas. Ten railway divisions across seven zones are responsible for roughly 67% of the total recorded losses. The Bikaner division has reported the highest number of missing items, exceeding 25.76 lakh, marking a fourfold increase in theft incidents since 2022. Other regions, including Delhi, Ranchi, and Mumbai, also report significant volumes of missing linen. Conversely, some divisions, such as Tiruchirappalli and Palakkad, reported zero thefts, and Delhi successfully reduced its theft incidents by 79%, suggesting that localized security measures may influence outcomes.
From an investor and operational perspective, this issue represents a recurring pressure on the efficiency of outsourced railway services. While the Ministry of Railways has acknowledged the situation as a serious concern, the lack of centralized data—as two zones failed to provide complete reports—suggests the total financial impact on the railway ecosystem may be even higher than current estimates. As the department looks to curb these losses, the focus remains on procurement costs and the long-term viability of contracts for onboard services, which could be impacted if contractors continue to face recurring losses that force premature exits from their service agreements.