Jaipur: Passengers of North Western Railway (NWR) AC coaches may soon have a cleaner experience with spotless bed sheets, pillow covers and towels, courtesy – AI-powered quality inspection system that detects even the smallest stain.The technology, currently on pilot basis, is offered at mechanised laundries in Jaipur and Jodhpur divisions of NWR, along with Pune Division of Central Railway. Officials said this is to improve hygiene standards and enhance passenger comfort by ensuring that only spotless linen reaches the coaches.“The AI-enabled system identifies even minor stains left after washing and automatically flags the linen for re-washing or removal from circulation. This significantly reduces the chances of passengers receiving stained or poorly cleaned bedrolls,” NWR Chief Public Relations Officer Amit Sudarshan told TOI Friday.The system uses high-resolution cameras installed along the laundry processing line. As freshly washed bed linen passes through, the cameras capture images that are instantly analysed by AI software for stains, discolouration and other defects. The linen failing to meet quality standards is automatically segregated for reprocessing, while only clean, serviceable items are packed for passengers.To further strengthen quality checks, NWR has installed whiteness meters in all mechanised laundries to scientifically measure the cleanliness and brightness of linen after every wash. Laundry operations are also being monitored through CCTV cameras to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures.Every AC passenger receives a bedroll kit comprising two bed sheets, a pillow cover, and a hand towel. The second bed sheet is meant to be spread beneath the blanket to prevent direct contact. Officials said NWR has now started providing these blanket cover sheets to all AC passengers as an additional hygiene measure.“Passengers’ response has been encouraging, and the AI-based inspection system is expected to further improve the quality and reliability of onboard linen services,” an official said.
