Indian Railways sets up 70k isolation beds in over 4,400 coaches

The Ministry of Railways told the media that the Indian Railways has set up 70,000 isolation beds in over 4,400 Covid care coaches to be served as isolation units for emergency medical use. The Railways Ministry told the media that the isolation coaches are easy to move and can be placed at locations of demand on the Indian Railways network. According to the demand made by various states, the Railways has handed over 232 coaches with a bed capacity of more than 4,000 beds out of the 4,400 Covid-care coaches. As per the latest records, there have been cumulative 162 admissions registered following 96 discharges. Presently, 66 Covid patients are using the isolation coaches. Additionally, more than 3,600 beds are still available at these facilities. Quick memorandum agreement of shared responsibilities and fast action plans are being decided upon by Railways with the respective district authorities, the ministry stated. The ministry said that the isolation units are shared based on the demand of the states. Below is the list of states : Delhi: In Delhi, the Indian Railways has positioned 75 Covid-care coaches with a capacity of 1,200 beds. Fifty coaches are deployed at Shakurbasti and 25 coaches at Anand Vihar railway stations. As of date, five admissions were registered with four patients discharged. About 1,199 beds are still available at this facility.Gujarat: In a Memorandum of Agreement with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Indian Railways deployed 10 coaches for Sabarmati and six coaches for Chandoliya. Nagaland: As per the demand made by the Nagaland government, the Railway has positioned 10 isolation coaches at Dimapur. Isolation coaches were deployed for Jabalpur and are now functional. Maharashtra: As many as 21 coaches have been made available for medical emergencies at Palghar. Also, 11 Covid care coaches, with one coach serving exclusively for medical personnel and supplies, have been placed at Ajni Inland Container Depot and handed them over to Nagpur Municipal Corporation.At Nandurbar, 94 Covid-care coaches have been deployed. In the last few days, 14 new patients have registered. Currently, 26 patients are in isolation at this facility. Madhya Pradesh: The Ratlam Division of Western Railway has deployed 22 coaches with 320 beds at Tihi station near Indore. As many as 19 patients are admitted there so far while one patient has been discharged. 302 beds are still available at this facility. Bhopal is being supported with 20 coaches. Uttar Pradesh: Though isolation coaches have not yet been demanded by the state government, 10 coaches each are positioned at Faizabad, Naziababad, Bhadohi, Bareli totalling a capacity of 800 beds in 50 Covid-care coaches. Image Source Also read: Covid second wave: Railways starts oxygen trains with ro-ro facilities