India, Aug. 10 -- More than 206,000 bedroll items worth Rs.2.81 crore have gone missing from air-conditioned trains originating from Pune over the past five years, drawing attention to the problem of passengers taking railway-provided linen and other amenities with them after their journey, according to the Pune railway division. Bedsheets account for the highest share of the missing items, followed by pillow covers, face towels, blankets and pillows.

"The entire responsibility of providing bedrolls to passengers and ensuring their safe collection rests with the private contractor. We have audited the material that went missing in the Pune division over the past five years and recovered Rs.2.81 crore as compensation from the contractor's...