A concerning pattern of large-scale theft of onboard amenities has emerged in trains originating from the city, with linen items worth an estimated Rs 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. Railway officials said passengers have been taking away items such as bedsheets, blanket covers, and face towels provided during the journey.
Passengers walking away with linen
Despite travelling in AC coaches, several passengers have been found carrying off items like towels and bedsheets. Railway data reveals that in 2025 alone, more than 31,000 bedsheets and nearly 22,000 face towels went missing.
Officials noted that such incidents are more common during peak travel seasons, when overcrowding makes it easier to conceal items like bedsheets, pillow covers, and blankets. Smaller items, particularly face towels, are stolen most frequently.
Railways issue warning, step up checks
The railway department has reiterated that taking away any property from trains is a punishable offence under the Railway Property Act and can lead to legal action, including imprisonment.
To curb the losses, stricter monitoring measures have been introduced. A railway public relations officer said onboard staff have been directed to count linen sets before passengers disembark to quickly identify any discrepancies.
Ajay Solanki, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ahmedabad Railway Division, 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.”
| Linen Theft Data for 2025 | ||||
| Month | Bedsheets | Pillow Covers | Face Towels | Blankets |
| January | 2405 | 961 | 4148 | 981 |
| February | 4718 | 2581 | 6484 | 964 |
| March | 3801 | 1837 | 3983 | 731 |
| April | 3706 | 2450 | 977 | 726 |
| May | 2168 | 1321 | 593 | 537 |
| June | 2436 | 1417 | 748 | 503 |
| July | 1761 | 1162 | 1254 | 447 |
| August | 2757 | 2450 | 1194 | 448 |
| September | 2369 | 1141 | 657 | 402 |
| October | 2276 | 1293 | 432 | 423 |
| November | 1545 | 1518 | 565 | 530 |
| December | 1669 | 1053 | 827 | 689 |
| Total | 31611 | 19184 | 21862 | 7381 |