Unlike in lockdown in 2020, trains are working and there is heavy passenger movement, so it is difficult to place them at earlier listed stations due to the threat of infection
Inside an isolation coach deployed at Nandurbar railway station for COVID-19 patients. Pics/PTI
After rail coaches were used for COVID-19 patients in Nandurbar, Mumbai railway authorities are wondering where to place isolation railway coach hospitals in the city, as unlike in the lockdown in 2020, this time regular passenger transport is on. Railway officials said they have formed committees at the divisional level to assess the issue.
Gunny bags and a water drip system are used to lower temperature inside the coaches
“Last year in May 2020, four stations had been selected as COVID Care railway stations in the city - Mumbai Central, Dadar western, Bandra Terminus and Panvel. But last time, it was safe because there was no passenger movement at stations due to the complete lockdown and all the train services were shut. But this time, trains are working and there is heavy passenger movement, and it would be challenging to place the COVID-19 isolation coaches at the earlier listed stations due to threat of transmission of the infection,” a senior official said.
“The isolation coach requires proper access, water supply, power connection. The platform also needs to be segregated and restricted for public access. We have formed a committee to identify and list such places where we could set them up. While the Central Railway has 394 coaches ready, the Western Railway has 386 coaches ready,” he added.
As per the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, separate coaches have been planned for suspect and confirmed patients to avoid cross infection. “Basic arrangements like ambulances etc for shifting the patient shall be made available by the state with paramedic staff. The train will be provided with watering arrangements, proper electricity connections and maintenance,” he added. Guidelines have also been issued for proper signage to be placed outside railway stations, platforms and near the coaches.
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