The Indian Railways (IR) is working to source or assemble rare machines needed to stitch Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) — important protective gear for doctors on the frontline of the fight against Coronavirus.

PPE mainly has six components — face shield and goggles, triple-layer medical mask, N-95 respirator mask, gloves, coverall/gowns, shoe and head covers. Union Ministry of Health has also issued instructions for the use of PPE. While fabric required for stitching PPE is in abundance, there aren't many machines in the country.