GUWAHATI: In view of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is converting coaches at the Coach Maintenance Depot in Kamakhya and Guwahati into isolation wards.The Indian Railways is preparing to convert train coaches into isolation wards to fight against the coronavirus pandemic and meet the increasing demand for beds in the isolation wards. Such a plan can help the country be well-prepared to meet any emergency.In a statement, Subhanan Chanda Chief Public Relations Officer, NFR stated, “To start with, N. F. Railway is converting coaches at the Coach Maintenance Depot in Kamakhya and Guwahati into isolation wards after consulting medical professionals at N. F. Railway Central Hospital, Maligaon. A non-AC sleeper coach is converted into an isolation wards for patients suffering from Covid-19. Each cabin of coach has been converted into an independent isolation ward which shall accommodate one patient. There are nine such cabins in one coach.”The CPRO added, “Middle berths have been removed from these cabins for keeping two feet bed space on the berths. Extra bottle holders and electric points are provided for medicines, IV Fluids and medical equipment like oscilloscope monitor, suction apparatus, etc. A foldable stool is available under the berth for keeping the medical equipment as and when required”. Air Plastic curtains have been provided between two cabins for privacy and isolation.He added the side berth end-panel walls of the coach near the entry/exit doors have been removed for easy access for stretchers. “One of the four toilets of the coach has been converted to bathroom with facility for shower, bucket and mug. Insulated bamboo sheets put up on the roof and the side walls of the coach for reducing the heat transfer and temperature inside the isolation wards”.