Kolkata Rajdhani Express gets a floral comfort upgrade in First AC this Durga Puja. (Image: Eastern Railway/Express File Photo)Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express: To make rail journeys more comfortable and hygienic, Eastern Railway (ER) has introduced floral comforters in the First AC coaches of the Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express. The new comforters replace the standard blankets provided to passengers, adding a special touch to their travel experience during the Durga Puja festive season.The initiative is part of the railway’s efforts to improve onboard facilities and enhance the overall passenger experience, particularly during the long-distance journey.Also Read | Vande Bharat among 5 Northeast-bound trains to get better cleaning, faster passenger complaint resolutionIn a statement, ER said: “This Durga Puja, Eastern Railway adds a special touch of elegance to your journey! Passengers travelling in 1st AC of the Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express will enjoy exclusive premium floral comforters, replacing standard blankets from 11th October 2026.” Kolkata Rajdhani Express adds floral comforters to enhance the First AC travel experience. (Image: Eastern Railway)Floral Comforters to be washed and sanitised after every round tripEastern Railway has said that the floral comforters will be thoroughly washed and sanitised after every round trip to maintain hygiene and ensure a fresh and comfortable experience for passengers. A touch of floral comfort aboard the iconic Kolkata Rajdhani Express. (Image: Eastern Railway)Covered blankets in trainsLast year, the Ministry of Railways launched a pilot initiative to provide covered blankets for passengers travelling in AC coaches. This has been a long-pending demand from passengers, as blankets provided in trains are not washed after every journey like bed sheets or pillow covers. They are cleaned only once or twice a month. To address this hygiene concern and ensure comfortable usage, Railways has introduced covers for each blanket.About Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani ExpressThe Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, also known as the Kolkata Rajdhani Express, connects Kolkata with the national capital, New Delhi. It was India’s first Rajdhani Express and began its maiden journey on March 3, 1969.When it was first introduced, the train had nine vacuum-braked coaches manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Perambur. The original rake consisted of two power cars, five AC chair cars, one AC dining car and one First AC coach.Story continues below this adOver the years, the Kolkata Rajdhani Express has undergone significant upgrades. It now operates with Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coaches, designed to provide passengers with a more comfortable journey and improved onboard facilities.According to the coach composition provided by the railway, the train has 22 LHB coaches, comprising two First AC coaches, six AC 2-tier coaches, 11 AC 3-tier coaches, one pantry car and two power cars-cum-luggage vans.The Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express operates as train numbers 12301 (Howrah to New Delhi) and 12302 (New Delhi to Howrah) via Gaya. When operating via Patna, it runs as train numbers 12305 (Howrah to New Delhi) and 12306 (New Delhi to Howrah).Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More