Paid Bedding Kits for Sleeper Class – IRCTC News

Indian Railways is stepping up passenger comfort in a big way with the introduction of a sleeper class bedding service that lets travellers access paid bedding kits in sleeper class coaches for the first time. This move effective from January 1, 2026 marks a significant shift in how non‑AC railway bedding kit services are offered, blending convenience, hygiene, and comfort for millions of Indians who travel long distances in sleeper class. 

Traditionally, free bedding including pillows, sheets, and blankets has been available only in AC classes on Indian Railways trains, where passengers are given bed linen as part of their fare and asked to leave it behind after the journey. Sleeper class passengers, however, have had to carry their own bedding or make do without it. But that changes with the launch of the optional bedding kits for sleeper class service. 

Under this new initiative, passengers will be able to book and purchase bedding kits made available on board or during ticket booking through IRCTC. This move aligns with Indian Railways’ broader initiatives to enhance passenger experience while also generating non‑fare revenue. 

Inclusions Under the New Railway Bedding Kit Rule

Passengers availing this Indian Railways bedding kit update will be able to choose from various options, depending on their budget and comfort needs:

• Full bedroll set – including a sanitized bedsheet, pillow, and pillow cover
• Bedsheet only – useful for those who already carry a pillow
• Pillow + cover only – for sleepers who just need head support

These products are hygienically laundered and packaged to offer better comfort on overnight journeys. 

Optional Bedding Kit Service in Sleeper Class – IRCTC Update

This optional bedding kit for sleeper class kit service comfort upgrade facility is part of a pilot project under the Non‑Fare Revenue Ideas Scheme (NINFRIS) that was first tested by the Southern Railway’s Chennai Division. Passenger feedback was overwhelmingly positive, prompting broader implementation across select express trains. 

Unlike the traditional free bedding in AC classes, this is an on‑paid, on‑demand service meaning passengers choose whether or not to avail it. Those who prefer to carry their own bedding can continue to do so. 

Pricing Details Under the New Railway Bedding Kit Policy

Affordability is a key focus of the sleeper class bedding service introduced by Indian Railways. The pricing has been made in such a way that passengers are able to spend a comfortable flight at a limited amount. As an example, a complete bedroll set, including a cleaned bedsheet, pillow and pillow cover, costs about 50 rupees. This contributes to its affordability even to low-end travellers who may wish to have some added comfort in long routes.

The pillow and pillow cover set can be had at approximately ₹30 and the bedsheet at approximately ₹20 by the passengers who only require partial bedding and bedsheets respectively. These alternatives enable travellers to make selections that would be based on their needs and comfort.

The nominal charges also represent the Indian Railways involvement in ensuring comfort upgrades to all passengers and make this feasible. They can also be very useful especially during the winter seasons or during night time trips since guests can carry such cheap bedding packs with them and this can make the traveling experience wonderful.

In general, the new IRCTC bedding kit booking policy allows making sure that non-AC sleeper passengers do not have to lower the comfort standards because of the lack of free bedding and maintain the service economically viable.

Safety Benefits Explained in the Latest IRCTC Bedding Kit Update

In addition to comfort, railway comfort service 2026 will deal with various safety and hygiene issues:

Sanitized sheetings guarantee a clean experience to all the passengers, which minimizes the chances of infections.

Ready-washed and professionally-cleaned kits would imply a decrease in the use of personal blankets or sheets, which might not be well washed

Packaged bedding reduces handling by multiple people, which is particularly important in flu and cold seasons.

All bedding items are inspected and maintained under approved hygiene protocols before reaching passengers. 

IRCTC Online Process for Booking Paid Bedding Kits

Passengers can book their paid bedding kits in sleeper class seamlessly while reserving their tickets:

1. Visit the IRCTC website or app during ticket booking.

2. Select your train and sleeper class ticket.

3. Look for the option to add bedding kit service during the booking process.

4. Choose the bedding option (full set, bedsheet, or pillow).

5. Pay the additional amount along with ticket fare.

Reservations are also amenable to changes before the travel in case of changes in plans but this is subject to policies stipulated by IRCTC.

This will be a smooth procedure so that passengers who want to upgrade to comfort need not face the added inconvenience.

Onboard Upgrade Availability Under the New Railway Comfort Rule

For those who miss booking bedding kits online, there will also be onboard availability on select trains. Passengers can request bedding directly from on‑train staff or licensed vendors while travelling, and pay the applicable fee on the spot. 

This onboard purchase option is particularly helpful for travellers who make last‑minute decisions to upgrade their comfort perhaps in response to weather changes, travel delays, or overnight journeys. 

Onboard Purchase Options in the Latest IRCTC Bedding Kit Service

Onboard purchases also support the train food ecosystem, offering a chance to grab Food in train like an Indian thali in train, Jain food in train, winter food in train, or even cake in train along with your bedding kit for a comfortable journey. These services complement the bedding kit to help provide a more complete travel experience.

While not officially part of the bedding service itself, these onboard food options enhance the overall travel experience, especially during long distances or seasonal trips.

Refund and Exchange Policy Under the New Railway Bedding Service Rule

IRCTC usually provides a refund and exchange policy tied to any add‑on services booked at the time of ticket reservation. If you cancel or modify your journey, the rules generally align with ticket cancellation policies although specific terms for bedding kits may vary depending on the train, zone, and vendor service agreement. Passengers are advised to check the latest IRCTC guidelines while booking. 

Approved Vendors Listed in IRCTC Bedding Kit Updates

Bedding kits are procured using approved suppliers who do mechanical cleaning, quality inspection, and supply. These vendors are registered and their compliance with standards of Indian Railways reviewed periodically.

The goals of such vendor partnerships are to assure the uniform and reliable service regardless of the route or departure station of a train.

Child‑Friendly Bedding Options Introduced Under New Railway Guidelines

Children often have specific needs during travel be it soft pillows or clean sheets for naps. Under the IRCTC bedding kit booking framework, families travelling with kids can choose suitable combinations of bedroll kits with softer materials and covers. While not a separate official category yet, many stations and vendors are offering child‑friendly packaging and accessories to make the journey smoother for young travellers. Passenger feedback on this front is encouraging more tailored options. 

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I book paid bedding kits for sleeper class in advance?

A: Yes bedding kits can be booked at the time of ticket reservation on IRCTC or even shortly before departure where the service is available. 

Q2. Are these bedding kits compulsory?

A: No they are optional bedding kits for sleeper class, letting you choose what suits your comfort level. 

Q3. Will all trains offer this service?

A: Initially, it’s rolling out on select trains. Based on feedback and demand, it may expand to more routes. 

Q4. Do I have to return the bedding?

A: This service is on‑paid and typically treated as a use‑and‑return service bedding is collected at journey end for sanitization for next use. 

Q5. Can unreserved passengers avail this?

A: Currently, this service is focused on confirmed sleeper class passengers. 

Conclusion

The launch of paid bedding kits in sleeper class represents a major shift in Indian Railways’ approach to passenger comfort. By offering optional bedding kits for sleeper class at low costs, IRCTC and the Railways are democratizing comfort for millions of travellers especially those on long journeys across seasons. 

Whether it's a non AC sleeper bedding kit to catch some rest during overnight journeys or an IRCTC bedding kit booking added to your ticket, this initiative bridges the comfort gap between AC and non‑AC travel. As more zones adopt this railway comfort service 2026, passengers can look forward to a more pleasant train experience without breaking the bank.