Goa, July 24 -- Passengers travelling in air-conditioned coaches of Indian Railways receive two bed sheets as part of the standard bedroll kit, and the Railways has now clarified the reason behind this long-standing practice.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the first bed sheet is meant to be spread over the berth, while the second is intended to be used beneath the blanket. The additional sheet acts as a protective layer, preventing the blanket from coming into direct contact with the passenger's body and improving hygiene during travel.

The clarification came in response to queries raised by Rajya Sabha MP Chandrakant Damodar Handore regarding the health and hygiene rationale ...