Ahmedabad: A shocking trend of large-scale theft of onboard amenities has come to light in trains originating from the city, with linen items worth an estimated ₹4.21 crore reported stolen during 2024–25.

The thefts have been reported from AC coaches of trains departing from Kalupur and Sabarmati railway stations. According to railway authorities, passengers have been taking away items such as bedsheets, blanket covers, and face towels provided during travel.

Passengers Stealing Railway Linen

Despite travelling in AC coaches, some passengers have been found taking away items like towels and bedsheets. Railway data shows that in 2025 alone, over 31,000 bedsheets and nearly 22,000 face towels were reported missing.

Officials said such incidents are more frequent during peak travel seasons, when overcrowding makes it easier to conceal items like bedsheets, pillow covers, and blankets. Smaller items such as face towels are reported to be stolen most frequently.

Action and Warning by Railways

The railway department has reiterated that removing any property from trains is a punishable offence under the Railway Property Act and may attract legal action, including imprisonment.

To curb the losses, authorities have initiated stricter monitoring measures. According to a railway public relations officer, onboard staff have been instructed to count linen sets before passengers disembark to ensure discrepancies are detected in time.

Ajay Solanki, Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ahmedabad Railway Division of Western Railway, said,
“In 2024–25, an eye-catching figure has emerged — linen worth Rs 4.21 crore has been stolen. These include bedsheets, blanket covers, and face towels. Through you, I want to tell passengers that this is national property. Whatever you use must be left behind and not taken away. If passengers continue to take these items, it leads to shortages, and replenishing them is not immediate as it involves a lengthy tendering process.”