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Mumbai: Railway Authorities Facing an Uphill Task of Setting up COVID Isolation Coaches


Mumbai: Railway Authorities Facing an Uphill Task of Setting up COVID Isolation Coaches
SHARES

During last year’s surge in coronavirus cases across Mumbai, railway authorities in the region set up COVID care isolation centres in Mumbai Central, Dadar western, Bandra and Panvel stations. This was possible due to the closure of local train operations across Mumbai last year.  

However, officials are facing a challenge with the current spike of cases as train services in the city are currently operational, making them unable to utilize the city’s railway stations as they did last year. Officials have said that they have established committees at the divisional level to find a solution for this issue. 

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“Last year in May 2020, four stations had been selected as COVID Care railway stations in the city - Mumbai Central, Dadar western, Bandra Terminus and Panvel. But last time, it was safe because there was no passenger movement at stations due to the complete lockdown and all the train services were shut. But this time, trains are working and there is heavy passenger movement, and it would be challenging to place the COVID-19 isolation coaches at the earlier listed stations due to threat of transmission of the infection,” a senior official was quoted as saying by mid-day.

“The isolation coach requires proper access, water supply, power connection. The platform also needs to be segregated and restricted for public access. We have formed a committee to identify and list such places where we could set them up. While the Central Railway has 394 coaches ready, the Western Railway has 386 coaches ready,” the official went on to say.

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The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has said that separate coaches are to be used for suspected and confirmed patients in order to avoid cross-infection within the coaches. The official added that basic arrangements including the use of ambulances for shifting patients will be put in place by the state with the help of paramedic staff. 

“The train will be provided with watering arrangements, proper electricity connections and maintenance,” the official added. Authorities have also issued guidelines to put up proper signs and boards outside stations, platforms as well as railway coaches, to inform citizens accordingly.

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