Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

CBI conducts surprise check in four trains

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted surprise checks in four long distance trains running through Kerala to verify the quality of bed sheets, woollen blankets, pillows and towels supplied to passengers travelling in air-conditioned sleeper compartments.

According to the CBI officials, the cleanliness and quality of the "overnight kits" supplied to passengers were found to be "dismal" in all the trains. The pillow covers were found to be stained, bedsheets unwashed and blankets not dry cleaned.

The CBI said railway passengers travelling in air-conditioned compartments had to pay a "hidden charge" of Rs.20 for the "overnight kit."

Regulations

As per the regulations, the kit is supposed to be sanitised and supplied to passengers in a biodegradable and eco-friendly cover. However, the CBI found that in all the trains the blankets and pillows were stacked near the toilet in an unhygienic manner. The kits used by one set of passengers were pressed in the train by attenders and distributed as newly cleaned kits to other unsuspecting passengers.

Every year, the Railways float tenders for the supply of "overnight kits" to long-distance passengers travelling in air-conditioned compartments. One of the tender conditions is that the blankets, bedsheets and pillow covers should be not be used for more than six months.

The CBI found that there was no manufacturer's name or tag indicating production date in any of the materials supplied in the trains.

The CBI has also stumbled upon manipulation of passenger records in air-conditioned compartments. The CBI conducted the surprise check in the presence of independent witnesses and travelling ticket examiners. The CBI officials spoke to passengers and recorded their complaints.

Superintendent of Police, CBI, S. Kannappan ordered the surprise check following a spate of complaints from the public.

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