Indian Railways converts 5,231 non-AC coaches into Covid-19 care centres

The Ministry said that it was mutually agreed by NITI Ayog and MoHFW that AC coaches would not be suitable in view of the potential transmission risk of Covid-19 through AC ducting

In order to augment the capability against Covid-19, Indian Railways has converted 5,231 non-air-conditioned coaches into isolation coaches as per the guidance document on appropriate management of suspected or confirmed cases, an official statement said on Friday.

The Ministry of Railway, in its statement, said that these facilities are part of the integrated Covid-19 plan developed by MoHFW and NITI Ayog, and are normally to be used when state facilities are overwhelmed.

"It was also stipulated that the facility should be well ventilated with adequate scope for natural lighting, and Air Conditioning if provided, should be non-ducted which rules out