Ever wondered why Indian trains come in different colours? From blue sleeper coaches to red Rajdhani cars and green Garib Rath compartments, each shade has a purpose beyond aesthetics. The colours help passengers and staff identify train type, class, and service level, reflecting Indian Railways’ history and evolving identity.
The Meaning Behind Train Colours
Indian Railways, the world’s fourth-largest rail network, uses colour coding on its coaches not just for design but for function and identity. The hues signify class, service type, and sometimes heritage, making them an integral part of railway operations.
Notable Updates / Major Takeaways
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Blue Coaches: Standard sleeper and general non-AC classes, symbolizing affordability and accessibility.
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Maroon Coaches: Heritage trains, reflecting Indian Railways’ early era.
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Green Coaches: Garib Rath trains, offering budget AC travel.
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Red Coaches: Premium trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi, denoting speed and better service.
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Grey & Saffron Designs: Tejas Express, showcasing modern semi-high-speed luxury.
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Orange-Green-Yellow Mix: Duronto Express, known for non-stop long-distance travel.
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White with Blue Stripes: Futuristic trains like Vande Bharat, symbolizing modernity and technology.
Sources: Indian Railways (official classification), ThePrint feature on train colours, India.com News Desk, NDTV Travel Desk.