Indian Railways pilots AI-based linen stain detection

Indian Railways launched an AI-based stain detection pilot project on 24 July 2026 at mechanised laundries to inspect washed linen. The pilot is being implemented in the Pune Division of Central Railway and the Jaipur and Jodhpur divisions of North Western Railway.

AI in railway laundry inspection

The system uses automated camera technology, computer vision, and machine learning algorithms to detect stains on washed linen. It is designed to work with existing cleanliness checks in mechanised laundries.

Mechanised laundries and quality control tools

Mechanised laundries are railway facilities that wash and process linen used in passenger services. Indian Railways also uses Whito-Meters to assess linen whiteness and CCTV cameras to monitor laundry operations across mechanised laundries.

AC class linen and bedding items

Each standard bedroll packet for AC class passengers contains two bed sheets, one pillow cover, and a hand towel. These items are supplied for use in air-conditioned classes on Indian Railways.

Important Facts for Exams

• Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world and operates both passenger and freight services.
• Computer vision is a field of artificial intelligence that enables machines to interpret images and video data.
• Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that uses data to improve pattern recognition and decision-making.
• North Western Railway is one of the 18 railway zones of Indian Railways.

Blanket cover provision in AC trains

Blanket covers are being provided to all AC class passengers on trains operated by North Western Railway. Blanket cover sheets are washed after each single use on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Kamakhya and Howrah.