Trivandrum: As part of Covid-19 control measures, Indian Railways decided to convert 5000 train coaches into quarantine or isolation wards, amounting to 40,000 beds. As per this arrangement, the Thiruvananthapuram Division of Southern Railway was given the target of converting 60 train coaches consisting of 3-tier sleeper class coaches and general coaches (unreserved) by 10th April, 2020.
The conversion works included removal of middle berths. Each coach has 8 isolation bays and a separate medical cabin for accommodating medical and auxiliary staff. All the windows have been covered by mosquito nets to prevent the entry of mosquitoes. Moreover, curtains have been provided at the entry part of the isolation ward to ensure hygienic atmosphere.
Separate dustbin for medical waste has been provided in every bay. 2 oxygen cylinder brackets and a fire extinguisher have been provided in every coach. Apart from these modifications, 1 toilet in every coach has been converted as a bathing room with shower facility. Soap dispensers have been provided in toilets/bathrooms. Taps in the coaches have been modified to facilitate ease of use. A full facelift of coach interiors has been done by painting the interiors and the interiors are equipped with extra hangers, bottle holders, etc.
The Thiruvananthapuram Division of Southern Railway has now completed the conversion of all 60 train coaches ahead of schedule. All these coaches are ready to be used when called upon for service by the nation.
Shirish Kumar Sinha, Divisional Railway Manager, Thiruvananthapuram Division appreciated the officers, supervisors and staff of the mechanical and electrical departments for their team efforts and dedication in finishing these tasks well ahead of schedule during these tough times, duly observing social distancing and the requisite safety measures at workplace.