Indian Railways to Convert 5K Coaches to Isolation Wards

The IndianRailways is preparing to convert train coaches into isolation wards to preparefor a fight against coronavirus pandemic to meet the increasing demand for bedsin the isolation wards.

N. F.Railway is converting coaches at the Coach Maintenance Depot in Kamakhya andGuwahati into isolation wards after consulting medical professionals at N. F.Railway Central Hospital, Maligaon.

A non-AC sleeper coach is converted into isolation wards for patients suffering from COVID-19.

Each cabin of the coach has been converted into an independent isolation ward which shall accommodate one patient. There are nine such cabins in one coach. The following modifications have been done in each coach.

Middleberths have been removed from these cabins for keeping two feet bed space onthe berths. Extra bottle holders and electric points are provided formedicines, IV Fluids and medical equipment like oscilloscope monitor, suctionapparatus, etc.

A foldablestool is available under the berth for keeping the medical equipment as andwhen required.

Air Plasticcurtains have been provided between two cabins for privacy and isolation.

The sideberth end panel walls of the coach near the entry/exit doors have been removedfor easy access of stretcher.

One of thefour toilets of the coach has been converted to a bathroom with a facility forshower, bucket, and mug.

Insulatedbamboo sheets put up on the roof and the sidewalls of the coach for reducingthe heat transfer and temperature inside the isolation ward.

The IndianRailways will convert 5000 sleeper coaches to Isolation Wards in throughout thecountry where NF Railway is converting 315 sleeper coaches to Isolation wardssoon as advised by Railway Board.