SR converts old coaches into isolation wards

According to a communique from chief workshop engineer of SR AS Ganvir, all shops have been advised to produce a prototype isolation coach, each with features to accommodate one patient per cabin.

The chief workshop engineer has also given several specification suggestions for the coach conversion plan. The specifications include removal of end side partition next to the main doorway at each end and conversion of one Indian style toilet into the bathroom, which would have a hand shower, besides bucket, soap and liquid dispenser.

All middle berths would be removed from the coaches. Additional bottle holders would be provided in each cabin to hold medical equipment. Besides plastic curtain in each cabin, engineers have also advised the workshops to ensure all charging points are in working condition and provide 230v socket in the cabins to support medical equipment. Engineers have been advised to utilise coaches that have completed 20 years in service.

A senior official said, “We have started the work of producing the prototype coach on Saturday. It will be completed in a week.” Asked if large scale production would commence from next week, the official said that it would be based on the instructions from the board.

Meanwhile, senior doctors from the railway hospital visited the loco workshop in Perambur to inspect the fabrication of cots and personal protection equipment produced there.