Kolkata/Jamshedpur, April 3: As a part of its preparedness to control the spread of Novel Coronavirus infection, South Eastern Railway has drawn up a plan to convert and modify 329 coaches into isolation/quarantine coaches initially to help COVID-19 affected people at large. Different units of South Eastern Railway have started the conversion and modification works on war footing. The conversion and modification works of the coaches is being carried out under the guidance of Medical Department and the converted and modified coaches will be equipped with all necessary medical facilities for the COVID-19 affected people. One coach is expected to have a good number of medically equipped beds to serve the COVID-19 affected people.
Works for conversion and modification of 329 coaches into isolation/quarantine coaches are being carried out on war footing at Kharagpur Workshop, Santragachi Depot, Tatanagar Depot and Hatia Depot. Out of 329 coaches, Kharagpur Workshop has been entrusted to convert and modify 160 coaches. Santragachi Depot is converting 89 coaches while Tatanagar Depot and Hatia Depot are modifying 20 and 60 coaches respectively. Only Non-AC Sleeper Coaches will be utilised for the conversion and modification to help the COVID-19 affected people. One Indian style toilet will be converted into a bathing room with bucket, mug and soap dispenser. Water taps with lift type handle will be provided in the wash basins. There will be provision for oxygen cylinders, extra bottle holders, storage area, dustbins with foot operated lid etc. Mosquito nets will be fitted on the windows and measures are being taken to ensure ventilation.
Irrespective of their designations, employees of South Eastern Railway have spontaneously come forward in this mission for converting and modifying the coaches into isolation/quarantine coaches to help the COVID-19 affected people. South Eastern Railway is all set to fulfil its social commitments and responsibilities during this crisis period.