Sanganeri is a style of hand-block printing named after the town of Sanganer, near Jaipur. This small town is famous for its centuries-old printing tradition.
Indian Railways is giving a fresh, colourful look to some of its air-conditioned coaches. The plain white blanket covers and sleeves are being replaced with bright, traditional Sanganeri prints from Rajasthan. For many regular train travellers, the old white blankets felt dull and a bit uncomfortable, especially because of worries about hygiene. The new covers are washable, durable, and visually appealing, bringing a warm, home-like feeling to the journey while also highlighting Rajasthan’s famous handicraft.
The pilot project started in Jaipur and will first be seen on the Jaipur–Asarva Superfast Express. Officials say this is a small experiment that could be expanded across more trains if it works well.
Passengers have often complained about using blankets that seemed reused or not freshly cleaned. The new printed covers aim to solve this issue while adding a touch of tradition. The designs were chosen not just for beauty but also for long-lasting prints and durability, making train travel both more hygienic and pleasant.
यात्रियों की सुविधा के लिए नई पहल…
जयपुर-असारवा ट्रेन में कंबल के कवर की शुरुआत।
राजस्थान के 65 रेलवे स्टेशनों पर विभिन्न यात्री सुविधाओं का लोकार्पण।खातीपुरा, राजस्थान pic.twitter.com/w3z3TCNSVZ
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) October 16, 2025
Why Sanganeri is chosen for Indian Railways?
Sanganeri is a style of hand-block printing named after the town of Sanganer, near Jaipur. This small town is famous for its centuries-old printing tradition. Sanganeri prints are known for their delicate floral patterns, fine lines, and light, elegant designs. Traditionally made by the Chippa community, these patterns are usually small, detailed, and repeatable. Common motifs include closely packed flowers, paisleys, and natural designs, all rendered with precision.
For Indian Railways, Sanganeri prints are a practical choice because they offer several advantages for mass-produced, washable blankets:
- The patterns hide wear and stains better than plain white blankets.
- The designs work well on cotton or blended fabrics, which are easy to wash and maintain.
More about hygiene and aesthetics
The new blanket initiative is not just about hygiene and aesthetics — it’s also about promoting Indian culture. Officials have hinted that they may experiment with prints from other states as well. This approach could turn simple onboard items into a low-cost platform to promote local crafts. Bulk orders from the railways could also provide a significant boost to artisan communities.
Currently, the project is a pilot, and its expansion will depend on passenger feedback, operational ease of washing, and other practical factors. If successful, Indian Railways may roll out these traditional designs on more trains, and even include other regional prints.
