Railways converts 5,231 coaches as COVID Care centres

Ministry of Railways has converted 5,231 of its coaches as COVID Care Centres. These coaches can be used for very mild cases that can be clinically assigned to the COVID Care centers as per guidelines issued by Health Ministry. These coaches can be used in areas where state has exhausted the facilities and needs to augment capacities for isolation of both suspected and confirmed COVID cases.

A total of 215 stations have been identified for placement of COVID Care Centres. Out of these 215 stations, Railways will provide health care facilities in 85 stations. In rest of the 130 stations, states will request COVID Care Coaches only if they are willing to provide staff



and essential medicines. Indian Railways will take care of water, electricity, repairs, catering and security of COVID Care Centres. 

Besides, Indian Railways will deploy more than 2,500 doctors and 35,000 paramedic staff to meet the COVID-19 challenge. Around 5,000 beds in 17 dedicated hospitals and 33 hospital blocks in Railway Hospitals have been identified for treatment of COVID-19 patients getting ready any contingency. As per guidelines of Health Ministry, State Governments would send the requisition to Railways and Railways will make allocation of these coaches to the States and Union Territories.