India converts train coaches to COVID-19 isolation wards

Guwahati, India: The Indian Railways is converting train coaches into isolation wards to prepare for a fight against coronavirus to meet the increasing demand for beds. | Workers spray disinfectants on a train coach, which will be used as isolation ward for treating coronavirus patients.

As part of this initiative, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has started converting coaches into isolation wards at the Coach Maintenance Depot in Kamakhya and Guwahati after consulting medical professionals at its N. F. Railway Central Hospital, Maligaon. Non-AC sleeper coaches are being converted into isolation wards for patients. | A staff member of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) inspects beds inside a train coach, in Guwahati.

"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. | India railway employee Dipen Barman, inspects a train coach being converted into an isolation ward for the fight against the new coronavirus in Gauhati, India.

Following modifications have been done in each coach. Middle berths have been removed from these cabins for keeping two feet bed space on the berths," an official release said. | An Indian railway employee works to convert a train coach into an isolation ward for the fight against the new coronavirus in Gauhati, India.

"Extra bottle holders and electric points are provided for medicines, IV Fluids and medical equipment like oscilloscope monitor, suction apparatus, etc. A foldable stool is available under the berth for keeping the medical equipment as and when required," it said. | An Indian railway employee works to convert a train coach into an isolation ward.

Air Plastic curtains have been placed between two cabins for privacy and isolation. The side berth end panel walls of the coach near the entry/exit doors have been removed for easy access of stretcher. | A nurse's cabin inside an isolation ward for treating coronavirus patients at non-air-conditioned train coaches in New Delhi.

"One of the four toilets of the coach has been converted into a bathroom with a facility for shower, bucket, and mug. | Indian railway employees fix mosquito nets as they work to convert a train coach into an isolation ward.

Insulated bamboo sheets put up on the roof and the sidewalls of the coach for reducing the heat transfer and temperature inside the isolation ward," the release said. | Indian railway employees work to convert a train coach into an isolation ward for the fight against the new coronavirus in Gauhati, India.

Earlier, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted: "Stepping up efforts to fight Coronavirus, Railways has converted a train coach into an isolation ward. Sleeping accommodation. Take a look at a prototype of an isolation ward, ready with medical facilities, in Kamakhya in Assam, with each coach having a capacity of serving 9 patients. #CoronaUpdate" | A prototype of an isolation ward for treating coronavirus patients inside non-air-conditioned train coaches.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has also appreciated the initiative of Indian Railways."My compliments to Indian Railways for its novel initiative in converting train coaches into isolation wards for COVID-19 patients. It illustrates how innovative solutions can help us in our fight against Coronavirus. #IndiaFightsCorona," Naidu tweeted. | A prototype of an isolation ward for treating coronavirus patients inside non-air-conditioned train coaches in New Delhi.

A train carriage adapted as an isolation ward in preparation for COVID-19 coronavirus patients, in Maligaon locality of Guwahati.

A train carriage adapted as an isolation ward in preparation for COVID-19 coronavirus patients, in Maligaon locality of Guwahati.