Goodbye white blankets! Indian Railways introduces Sanganeri prints to train coaches

In a recent update Indian Railways has started replacing the plain white blanket sleeves in its some air-conditioned coaches with bright, colourful and beautiful covers featuring the traditional Sanganeri print from Rajasthan. It's a good news for frequent train travellers who not-very-much liked those white sheets and white blankets. Now these new printed sheets are said to be washable and pretty, giving traditional vibes to the journey. This might look like a small change but it aims to tackle hygiene concerns, and bring forward an age-old handicraft from Rajasthan.


The pilot was inaugurated in Jaipur and will first appear on the Jaipur–Asarva (Asrava) Superfast Express. Officials are calling it an experiment that could be scaled across the network if successful.




There has been a constant complaint from passengers who were uneasy about using blankets because of being “reused” or not freshly laundered. This one is durable, and looks like something from home, rather than a hospital! Officials say the covers have been chosen for durability and print longevity.



Why Sanganeri



So those who don’t know, Sanganeri is block printing named after Sanganer. This is a small town near Jaipur and is known for its centuries-old hand-block printing technique. They have floral motifs, fine lines and light, which looks beautiful. Traditionally produced by the Chippa community, Sanganeri patterns are usually small-scale, refined and repeatable.

Sanganeri designs also favour small, closely packed floral vines, paisleys and natural motifs rendered in precise block-prints. For a railway application which needs a balance of hygiene, cost and mass-production, Sanganeri offers several advantages like:

1) The patterns disguise wear better than plain white

2) The prints work well on cotton or blended fabrics. These are easy to wash

Cultural branding and livelihoods

Beyond all the practical interest, Indian Railways also wanted to support culture. The trains carry millions of passengers every year; using regionally rooted prints like Sanganeri allows the railways to showcase India’s textile heritage in a visible, everyday way.

Officials have suggested plans to explore using prints from other states as well, transforming everyday onboard items into an affordable platform for showcasing local crafts. This approach could generate bulk orders, providing valuable support to artisan communities. For Rajasthan’s Sanganer printers, a cluster renowned for its rich artisanal heritage, such institutional demand could offer a significant commercial opportunity.

The initiative is currently a pilot and will largely depend on passenger feedback, operational ease of washing, among others. If all boxes are checked, Indian Railways has indicated the design could be extended to more trains and could include other traditional prints, bringing not just comfort and hygiene but also a touch of India’s rich artisanal heritage to every journey, making train travel a culturally enriching and visually appealing experience for passengers, for everyone’s delight.