Kamal Ghorui
For any person who is travelling through India, one of the first things that one notices at any railway station is the variety of colors. Deep blues of the trains arrive regularly, reds of the trains hint at something new, while whites of the trains are almost futuristic. While it may initially appear as if these are simply choices of color, it is actually a much deeper phenomenon, one that could actually help any person who is travelling through India get a sense of what lies in store for them.In any railway as vast as the one in India, colors are not simply random. While it is not exactly an official classification, it has gradually become a way of classifying the type of train, the comfort of the train, as well as the era of the train itself.
Trains in India
Blue: India’s classic trains
The trains that are commonly seen in India are the ones that have blue coaches. These coaches belong to the older generation and are classified as ICF, or Integral Coach Factory, coaches. These coaches have been the backbone of long-distance travel for decades, carrying millions of passengers across the country on a daily basis. If you are boarding a blue-coach train, then you are on a mail or express service, which is reliable, extensive, and often economical. Though these coaches have served their purpose over the years, they are now being phased out in favor of safer and newer coaches. For passengers, the traditional experience is functional, familiar, and accessible.
Red: A newer, safer generation
In the past few years, red or maroon-colored coaches have also started appearing, especially on major routes. These are known as LHB coaches. Their introduction was a step towards the safety, speed, and comfort of the trains. For the traveler, the appearance of a red train is a clear indicator of a modern train. The LHB coaches have the advantage of traveling at a higher speed, a smoother ride, and the advantage of being less damaged in the event of a collision. The appearance of the coaches in the premium and super fast trains is a big step forward from the traditional blue-colored coaches.
White: The future of rail travel
And then there are the white-colored trains with a sleek design, especially the Vande Bharat Express. These are not only trains, they are trainsets. In a trainset, the engine and the coaches are merged into a single unit. For the traveler, the white color of the train signals a very different message. Speed, modernity, and a premium experience—this is what the white train promises.
Modern trains in India
What colours don’t tell you
While it’s natural to think that the colours of the trains might tell you if they’re super fast, express, or premium, it’s not entirely true. For example, a red-coloured train does not mean it’s automatically faster than a blue train. In the same way, a blue-colored train is not necessarily slower than a red-colored train.
For accurate information, check:
- The type of train (Express, Superfast, Rajdhani, etc.)
- The code of the coach (Sleeper, 3AC, Chair Car, etc.)
- The timings and ticket information
- The colors provide a kind of indication, but not the whole truth.
Why this matters for travelers
It might not be of much use, but it might be important while passing through crowded platforms and routes. A quick look at the colors of the trains can tell you:
- Whether your train is old or new
- Helps formulate your idea of a comfortable ride
- Can differentiate between luxury trains more easily
Most importantly, it provides another layer to the experience of traveling through Indian Railways. It is not just traveling from one destination to another; it is a matter of observing, adapting, and understanding the rhythm.
