Coronavirus scare: Indian Railway has started withdrawing blankets from its coaches because of amid rising coronavirus cases in India. As of now, coronavirus cases have crossed 100 marks in India while over 1.5 lakh people have been the infected world over. Two persons have also lost their lives in India while the new coronavirus has claimed over 5,800 worldwide.
Very first the move is initiated by the NFR (Northeast Frontier Railway) of Indian Railway to withdraw blankets and curtains in air-conditioned coaches from service till further orders to prevent the spread of coronavirus, as per the official statement.
Seeing the Coronavirus scare the Indian Railway enforce passengers to bring their own blankets for their journey, as per the official instructions. Also, The Blankets will be kept with attendants and ‘given to passengers only on-demand.
NF Railway spokesperson Subhanan Chanda said on Sunday (15/03/2020) that, Only bed-sheets, pillow covers and hand towels will be given inside the AC Coaches in train.
According to existing norms, curtains and blankets provided in AC coaches are not washed after every trip and these may become a source of infection through contact, the spokesperson said.
In addition to this, Central Railway and Western Railway have also advised passengers to bring their own blankets. They are even cleaning all coach fittings such as grab handles, door handles, door latches, entry door handles, seat guard, snack trays, window glass, a window grill, bottle holders, and upper berth climbing stair that are frequently touched by passengers.
The Indian Railway is taking emphasis on frequent disinfection of coaches at the depots in all its divisions, Said by the officials.
A campaign is also being carried out regularly since last week to create awareness about COVID-19 among passengers and people in general in local languages.
Announcements in local languages are being made through public address systems in all stations along with relevant posters.
Meanwhile, The Southern Railway has also announced that it has withdrawn supply of woolen blankets to AC coach passengers and has commenced removal of curtains in all classes of AC coaches.
Additional bed-sheets are being kept in AC coaches for any exigency and temperature inside the compartment will be adjusted suitably as per requirement
