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Prototype Isolation Cabins Features-Indian Railway

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Prototype Isolation Cabins Features-Indian Railway

In this regard, to start with Railway Board advised to utilize o­nly Non-AC Sleeper Class Coaches for converting as quarantine/isolation coaches. Accordingly, Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, South Central Railway instructed the officials of the Zone to draw the plans for modification of the existing non -AC sleeper class coaches as quarantine/isolation coaches.

As per the instructions of General Manager, staff and officers of Carriage Workshop, Lallaguda swung into action and modified two cabins in a non-ac sleeper class coach number SC GSCN 00205 as a prototype isolation cabins.

The details of modification being done includes –

  • Generally, each sleeper class coach will have 9 cabins. In each cabin 6 berths inside (2 lower, 2 middle and 2 upper) and 2 berths in side (1 side lower and 1 side upper) totaling to 6+2=8 berths. o­n entire coach there are 72 berths.
  • Out of these 9 cabins, presently o­nly 2 cabins i.e. second cabin from either end are modified as a prototype isolation cabin.
  • In these 2 cabins (earmarked for isolation), both middle and upper berths and also side lower and side upper berths were removed.
  • Out of these 2 cabins, o­ne cabin provided with half partition sheet& half curtain and the other cabin provided with two full plasticcur tains.
  • In both the cabins the width of the lower berth earmarked for the patient widened by 90 mm for sleeping comfort.
  • One of the two cabins was wrapped with Vinyl o­n panels in cabin area for good aesthetics.
  • Provision of Mosquito Wire Mesh in lieu of Venetion shutters.
  • Ladders for upper berth removed.
  • Stainless Steel bottle holders 2 Nos.provided.
  • Dust bins with cover provided.
  • In both the cabins 3 sockets of 5-amp capacity with switch provided to meet the power supply needs.
  • Entrance of cabin provided with two half plastic curtains.

Modification in Toilet Portion:

  • The toilet pans of the Indian style toilets available at both the ends of the coach were removed and converted for bathing facility.
  • Toilet floor provided with PVC & drain hole.
  • Wash basin inside the toilet removed to make the bathing facility comfortable.
  • Additional tap with lift type handle and in proper height has been provided so that bucket can be filled without much difficulty. In addition, health faucet & Shower facility are also provided.
  • Bucket, bath stool and mug provided.

These facilities are in addition to quarantine / isolation beds provided by the Zone at Railway Hospitals / Health Units / Training Institutes spread around 30 locations over the South Central Railway accommodating more than 1000 beds.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the Prototype Isolation Cabins developed by Indian Railways during the COVID-19 pandemic, including key features, purpose, and deployment:

🚆 Prototype Isolation Cabins – Key Features

These isolation cabins were created by modifying non-AC sleeper class coaches to serve as mobile quarantine/isolation units for suspected or mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients.

🛏️ Structural Modifications

  • Coach Type: Non-AC Sleeper Class (GSCN)
  • Cabin Selection: 1 or 2 cabins per coach were modified initially for prototyping
  • Berths:
    • Middle and upper berths removed for headroom and space
    • Only lower berth retained and widened by ~90 mm for patient comfort
    • Side berths removed to prevent congestion
  • Partitioning:
    • Use of curtains or PVC partitions between patient cabins and corridors
    • One prototype used vinyl-covered panels for better hygiene

🔌 Utilities & Fittings

  • 3 electrical sockets (5-amp) with switches for charging or medical devices
  • Fans and LED lights retained
  • Bottle holders, curtain rods, and dustbins with lids added
  • Mosquito nets or wire mesh fitted on windows for ventilation

🚿 Sanitation and Toilets

  • One toilet converted to a bathing space:
    • Wash basin removed
    • PVC flooring with drain holes
    • Overhead shower, health faucet, bucket, mug, and stool provided
  • Second toilet retained for use as a lavatory
  • Soap dispensers, hooks, and handles added for hygiene

🧯 Medical and Safety Provisions

  • Provision for oxygen cylinder placement
  • Railways coordinated with Ministry of Health for proper equipment layout
  • Hands-free washbasins and sanitizer dispensers installed near doors
  • Space for PPE storage and disposal provided in some coaches

🧠 Purpose & Role

  • Offered decentralized isolation facilities in rural or remote areas
  • Used for mild or suspected COVID-19 patients to reduce load on hospitals
  • Could be stationed near health centers or district hospitals as required
  • Part of Indian Railways’ mass-scale conversion initiative — ~5,000 coaches were prepared across India

🧾 Sample Layout (Per Coach)

Component Details
Cabins per coach 8–9 (each modified for single occupancy)
Isolation berth 1 per cabin (lower berth)
Oxygen supply point 1 per cabin (inlet for portable cylinder)
Electric outlets 3 per cabin
Bathing area 1 per coach (converted toilet)
Lavatory 1 per coach

🏗️ Workshops Involved in Prototypes

  • Lallaguda Carriage Workshop (South Central Railway)
  • Jagadhari Workshop (Northern Railway)
  • Bhopal and Jhansi Divisions
  • Mumbai Central (Western Railway)
  • All zones eventually developed and deployed their own models based on the core prototype

✅ Summary: Benefits

  • Rapidly deployable across any region
  • Cost-effective use of existing infrastructure
  • Provided scalable, mobile isolation capacity
  • Could be easily sanitized and repurposed post-pandemic

Would you like a visual layout of one of these coaches or data on how many were deployed zone-wise?

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