The signs that we spot from the train, as it rattles on the tracks from one station to the next may appear indecipherable, but they communicate meaning to loco pilot and railway officials alike. The railway signs and symbols were developed between the 1830s and 1840s, and they are coloured brightly and located to be easily visible to the loco pilot- The person who runs the train engine.
Understanding the railway signs and symbols helps both loco pilots, and railway personnel to safely navigate tracks by providing clear visual instructions regarding speed limits, upcoming hazards, track conditions, and signal indications, ultimately preventing accidents and ensuring smooth train operations
Let us learn more about Indian railway signs and symbols through this blog.
Train signals and symbols vary between and within a country. Indian railways use different types of signalling systems including approach release and mechanical signals.
colour light signals, speed-controlled approach, progressive speed signalling, route signalling and speed signalling.
The salient features of the Indian Railway signs and symbols can be broadly classified as:
Colour light signals: they are the most common type of signals because they are easy to maintain and display the same aspects during the day and night.
Signal aspects and indications: the visual appearance of a signal is called its aspects and the meaning it signifies is called its indication. For instance, the green signal means proceed at line speed, and yellow is a warning signal that red will appear next.
Driver signals: In the old days, loco pilots drivers) going in opposite directions would signal each other with green flags or lamps to indicate clear sections ahead. Modern locomotives have green and red signal lamps that allow loco pilots (drivers) to exchange signals without being exposed to the elements.
Indian Railways employs various types of signs and symbols to ensure smooth functioning. These can be broadly categorized as:
These signs provide essential information to passengers and staff. Examples include:
Train schedule boards.
Station names and platform numbers.
Directional signs for exits, ticket counters, and restrooms.
Warning signs alert train operators and passengers about potential hazards. Examples include:
Level crossing warnings.
"Sharp Curve Ahead" signs.
"Track Repair Work Ahead" boards.
Regulatory signs enforce rules and regulations on railway premises. Examples include:
Speed limit boards for specific track sections.
Stop signals at crossings.
"No Trespassing" signs.
Locational signs help train operators determine their position on the track. Examples include:
Kilometer markers.
Distance-to-station boards.
Understanding common railway signs is essential for safe travel. Here are some key examples:
Caution Indicators: These signs warn train operators about ongoing track work or other obstructions.
Speed Boards: Display the maximum permissible speed for trains in a particular section.
Platform Indicators: Digital or physical boards showing train arrivals, departures, and platform numbers.
Restroom and Water Signs: Pictorial representations for passenger convenience.
Stop Signs at Crossings: Indicate where vehicles and pedestrians must halt to allow trains to pass.
Unmanned Crossing Ahead: Alerts drivers to approach with caution.
Red Light: Stop immediately.
Yellow Light: Prepare to stop or proceed with caution.
Green Light: Proceed safely.
These are arrow-shaped boards that point left or right to indicate special restrictions on the track due to temporary or permanent engineering work. The arrow’s direction indicates the track to which the restriction applies. These boards are usually painted in reflective black and yellow colour. The post on which it is mounted has alternating black and white bands. The caution indicator is usually placed 700m before a speed indicator board and 800m before the actual point work or other cause of restriction. Loco pilots (drivers) have to slow down to the speed indicated on the speed restriction board by the time they reach it.
T: It indicates the termination of the speed limit for all trains
T/P: Termination of the speed limit for passenger train
T/G: termination of the speed limit for goods train and goods train with BOXN wagon rakes.
T/EMU, T/EMU-9: termination of the speed limit for EMU rakes, and EMU rakes with 9 coaches, respectively.
T/PG: for both passenger and goods trains
T/P24: for 24-coach or longer passenger trains
T/L: for local, i.e., suburban trains, usually EMU or DMU trains
T/M: Used in the Hyderabad area’s MMTS system
T/R: it is sometimes seen for railbuses
The numbers in triangular-shaped yellow boards indicate the speed limit in kilometres per hour. Trains can’t operate above that speed limit in the area where the signboard is placed.
Sometimes the board has additional text, for instance 'ONLY FOR GOODS TRAIN' may appear at the bottom, indicating that the speed is restricted for the GOODS TRAIN on this stretch.
The purpose of the signal sighting board is to warn the Loco pilots (drivers) of a signal ahead and they must be alert to spot the instruction to stop or slow down the train. Generally, the signal sighting board is a rectangular reflective board with a circle and two horizontal yellow lines on a blackboard. In lower quadrant territory, one will often spot two sighting boards used for signals.
One, is the goods signal sighting board that is placed 1400m before the signal.
The other is the passenger signal sighting board intended for passenger train loco pilots (drivers) and is usually placed about 1000m before the signal.
'W/L' stands for Whistle for Level Crossing.
Whistle indicator board is also seen in Hindi with the characters 'see/pha' == 'seetee bajao - phatak'). It can be spotted on approach to unmanned level crossings (and for manned level crossings without a clear view) about 250m away from the level crossing. One can sometimes observe a 'W' sign on the approach to a bridge.
The 'W' is a general whistle indicator.
C/T written on a yellow circular board with black text denotes ‘Caution/Tunnel ahead’.
As per a Ministry of Railways X (formerly Twitter) post, “The letter 'X' denotes that it is the train's last coach. Railway officials get a confirmation that the train has passed in its entirety without any coaches being left behind.”
LV refers to the Last Vehicle.
LV is used as a check by gatemen, signalmen and cabin personnel to ensure that the train travelling is whole, and no coaches have been decoupled and left behind.
The rectangular board with white and red bands is the most common stop indicator. It is mounted on a post and at night the sign is illuminated by two red lamps. Trains cannot go beyond the stop indicator.
The guarded railway crossing sign indicates that there is a Railway crossing which a person guards. This sign also tells that the guarded level crossing is 200 meters ahead.
The trackside pole marker is a signal to allow a train to move into a block section or a track within station limits that is already occupied by another train. This is done for coupling trains to enter station limits.
Railway signs and symbols are essential for ensuring safety and operational efficiency. These signs guide train operators, passengers, and staff to make informed decisions, reducing accidents and maintaining punctuality. By clearly communicating rules, warnings, and directions, railway signage plays a pivotal role in:
Preventing collisions and accidents.
Helping passengers navigate stations and platforms.
Providing critical information to train operators and staff.
The advent of technology has revolutionized railway signage systems. Key advancements include:
LED and Digital Boards: Providing real-time updates on train schedules and delays.
AI and IoT Integration: Automated signaling and monitoring systems to enhance safety.
GPS-Based Locational Updates: Digital screens displaying train positions and estimated arrival times.
Indian Railways uses two different colour combinations on signal poles to indicate their purpose:
Red and White: Denotes a home signal, which controls entry into a station.
Yellow and White: Indicates a distant signal, used to provide a warning about the home signal's position.
The Indian railway logo features a steam locomotive within a circular design, symbolising motion and connectivity.
Loco pilots (drivers) use specific whistle codes to communicate, such as:
One short whistle: Train is ready to depart.
Two short whistles: Signal to guard to remove the handbrake.
Long whistle: The train is approaching a station.
Indian railway station signs are painted yellow with black text for high visibility. This distinctive style has become iconic and is an easy way for passengers to identify stations, even from moving trains.
Wig-wag signals, which are flashing red lights, are used at unmanned or automatic level crossings to alert road users about approaching trains. These signals mimic the swing of a guard’s lantern, historically used to stop vehicles.
The purpose of railway signals and symbols is to ensure the safe passage of trains and passengers in the vicinity since the trains usually move at high speeds. For the trained eyes of locomotive or loco pilots (drivers), these symbols rapidly convey the message and ensure that they can drive safely. So, the next time you are on a short or long train you can engage in some mental game by identifying the railway sign and checking how the locomotive or loco pilots (drivers) adheres to it.
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