NEW DELHI — Indian Railways has suffered losses exceeding ₹104 crore ($125 million) due to the theft of 12.7 million bedroll items between January 2022 and May 2026, marking a 56% increase in such incidents over the period, according to Right to Information (RTI) data. The revelations, obtained by activist Ajay Bose, expose a systemic failure in safeguarding onboard amenities as the national transporter resumes post-pandemic services.
The stolen items—primarily blankets, bedsheets, and pillow covers—have been taken predominantly by passengers, with thefts rising sharply each year. In 2022, 2.02 million items were stolen, a figure that climbed to 3.15 million by 2025. Financial losses followed a similar trajectory, increasing from ₹16.5 crore in 2022 to ₹25.8 crore in 2025. The first five months of 2026 alone accounted for ₹12.3 crore in losses, indicating the problem is worsening.
What Happened
The RTI response, reviewed by Herald Express, provides a granular breakdown of the thefts. The data shows that bedrolls provided in sleeper and AC coaches—where they are either included in ticket fares or available for a fee—are the most vulnerable. While Indian Railways has historically struggled with the misuse of onboard amenities, the post-pandemic resumption of bedroll services appears to have exacerbated the issue.
The transporter has experimented with countermeasures in the past, including barcode tagging and RFID chips, but these initiatives have failed to gain traction due to logistical hurdles and high costs. Railway officials have acknowledged the problem but have yet to announce a comprehensive strategy to address it.
Why It Matters
The financial losses, while a small fraction of Indian Railways’ ₹2.5 lakh crore annual budget, reflect deeper inefficiencies in resource management. The thefts also highlight the broader challenge of balancing passenger convenience with the sustainable use of public assets. With the Railways already under pressure to modernize infrastructure and improve service quality, the escalating thefts add another layer of operational strain.
For passengers, the thefts could lead to higher fares or reduced amenities if the Railways attempts to offset losses by cutting back on bedroll services. The issue also raises questions about accountability—whether the Railways can implement effective tracking systems or enforce penalties for offenders without disproportionately burdening travelers.
Background and Context
Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest rail networks, has long grappled with the theft and misuse of onboard supplies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, bedroll services were suspended to minimize contact, but their resumption in 2022 was met with renewed passenger demand. However, the lack of robust monitoring mechanisms has allowed thefts to spiral.
Past attempts to curb losses have included:
– Barcode tagging: Introduced in select trains, but abandoned due to logistical challenges in tracking and recovering items.
– RFID chips: Piloted in premium coaches, but deemed too expensive for large-scale deployment.
– Passenger penalties: Proposed in internal memos, but never formally implemented due to concerns over passenger backlash.
The current system relies on manual checks by onboard staff, which are often inadequate given the scale of operations. With over 23 million passengers traveling daily, the Railways faces an uphill battle in preventing thefts without disrupting service efficiency.
Competing Claims and Uncertainty
While the RTI data provides a clear picture of the financial impact, there is debate over the root causes of the surge in thefts. Some railway officials argue that the problem stems from a lack of passenger awareness, suggesting that many travelers mistakenly believe bedrolls are complimentary and can be taken home. Others point to systemic issues, such as understaffing and inadequate surveillance, as the primary drivers.
There is also uncertainty over potential solutions. Technological fixes like RFID tracking remain prohibitively expensive for widespread use, while stricter penalties could face legal and public relations hurdles. Some experts advocate for a hybrid approach—combining digital tracking with public awareness campaigns—but the Railways has yet to outline a concrete plan.
What to Watch Next
1. Railways’ Response: Whether the transporter will announce new measures to curb thefts, such as piloting advanced tracking systems or introducing penalties for offenders.
2. Passenger Reactions: How travelers respond to potential changes, including higher fares or reduced bedroll availability in lower-class coaches.
3. Budgetary Impact: Whether the losses will prompt the Railways to seek additional funding or reallocate resources from other projects.
4. Legal and Policy Shifts: If the government will intervene with regulatory changes, such as mandating RFID tagging for all bedrolls or imposing fines for theft.
Conclusion
The RTI revelations underscore a persistent challenge for Indian Railways: balancing passenger comfort with the responsible management of public resources. While the financial losses are significant, the broader issue is one of accountability and efficiency. Without a concerted effort to implement scalable solutions—whether technological, operational, or policy-driven—the thefts are likely to continue unchecked, further straining an already overburdened system.
For now, the data serves as a stark reminder that even well-intentioned service improvements can have unintended consequences when safeguards are lacking. The question remains whether the Railways can turn the tide before the losses become unsustainable.
Story synopsis gathered from: [Hindustan Times](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/104-cr-loss-1-27-cr-items-stolen-rti-reveals-56-jump-in-railway-linen-theft-101784020075979.html) — source.
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Story synopsis gathered from: Hindustan Times – India News — source.
