India closes railways for first time in 167 years

India has been under a nationwide lockdown since 25 March due to the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, Indian Railways has suspended all passenger train services. Now, around 20,000 old train carriages will be converted into isolation wards for coronavirus-positive patients, reports CNN. 

Indian Railways is Asia’s oldest rail network and this is the first time in 167 years that operations have been suspended. The railway network is also the fourth largest rail operator in the world and India’s largest employer. Operations will be suspended until 14 April.

The conversion from passenger carriages to isolation wards is a seemingly effortless task as the network operates 125 hospitals across India.

On 6 April 2020, India’s confirmed cases were 4,314 according to Statista. While hospitals in India are not full to capacity, the train-turned-hospital wards will help alleviate the pressure if the confirmed case numbers continue to climb.

The Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goya, tweeted his findings while taking a look inside the trains. He also stated that ‘In a big boost to equip the medical fraternity in their battle against COVID-19, Indian Railways is going to manufacture Personal Protective Equipment Garments on a large scale.’

Preparing to Combat Coronavirus: In a novel initiative, Railways has converted train coaches into isolation wards for COVID-19 patients 🛌

Now, Railways will offer clean, sanitised & hygienic surroundings for the patients to comfortably recover. #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/miYO3LOGfN

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) March 28, 2020

Take a look at isolation coaches prepared by Railways to support the nation’s fight against COVID-19.

Coaches have been modified to ensure comfortable isolation facilities for patients. pic.twitter.com/Nq2FmOo63e

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 6, 2020

In a big boost to equip the medical fraternity in their battle against COVID-19, Indian Railways is going to manufacture Personal Protective Equipment Garments on a large scale. pic.twitter.com/3ufxMojA4K

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 5, 2020

Image: Twitter/ @Piyush Goya

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