To serve as a backup in case existing quarantine or isolation centers become full, Indian Railways is converting 5,000 train coaches into quarantine or isolation wards, which amounts to 40,000 beds, and is prepared to convert 15,000 more coaches.
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Each coach will house 9-10 patients. One of the two toilets in each coach will be converted into a bathing room. Each set of berths will be equipped with oxygen cylinders, and all cabins will be modified so they can hold medical equipment. Measures that are specific to Covid-19 – such as replacing taps that turn with those that have long handles, and fitting dustbins with foot pedals – have also been initiated.
Such coaches are being readied in 130 different locations across the country. 2,500 such coaches are already ready.
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