Hidden Facts About Indian Railways: Why Train Coaches Have Coloured Stripes?

If you've ever travelled on an Indian train, you may have noticed coloured stripes or distinct paint schemes on the coaches. At first glance, these might seem purely aesthetic, but they actually serve an important functional purpose.

In this article, we'll explore the significance of these coach markings and colours, and what each one represents.

Yellow line: A yellow stripe on a coach indicates that it is reserved for differently abled passengers. This helps ensure accessibility and convenience for those who need it most.

Green line: Coaches marked with a green stripe are reserved for women. This visual cue makes it easier for passengers to quickly identify designated compartments, especially in busy stations.

Red line: A red stripe is often used on premium trains to denote First Class AC coaches or higher categories. In Mumbai suburban trains, however, the red marking specifically identifies first-class compartments.

Grey or light blue exterior: In recent years, Indian Railways has introduced grey and light blue colour schemes for ICF coaches to give them a modern, refreshed look, similar to trains like the Shatabdi Express.

Similarly, the overall colour of train coaches also provides useful information about the type of service and level of comfort offered.

Blue coaches: These are among the most commonly seen and are often associated with premium long-distance services such as Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains. Blue coaches typically indicate air-conditioned travel and better onboard amenities, making them a preferred choice for comfort.

Green coaches: Green-coloured coaches are used in various express and superfast trains across the Indian Railways network. While many of these may also be air-conditioned, they are generally considered a step below the premium services in terms of luxury.

Yellow coaches: Yellow coaches are usually found in mail and express trains and are typically non-air-conditioned. They offer a more economical travel option for passengers.

Red coaches: Red coaches are associated with some of the fastest and most modern trains in India, such as the Gatimaan Express. These coaches are part of premium services and provide a high level of comfort and convenience.

Brown coaches: Brown-coloured coaches are commonly used for sleeper-class travel. These coaches are designed for long-distance journeys and include berths for overnight travel.

Purple coaches: A relatively new addition, purple coaches are seen in Tejas Express trains. They come equipped with modern amenities such as bio-toilets, CCTV cameras, and onboard entertainment systems, offering a more contemporary travel experience.

White coaches: White coaches are often used for trains that cater to religious pilgrimage routes, connecting major spiritual destinations across the country.

Silver coaches: These are typically used for special services, including tourist and luxury trains like the Palace on Wheels, known for their unique travel experiences.

Orange coaches: Orange-coloured coaches are commonly used in suburban train networks in cities such as Mumbai and Kolkata, helping commuters identify them easily.

Cream and blue coaches: These are frequently used for second-class seating in suburban trains. They are usually unreserved and cater to daily commuters.

Green and yellow coaches: Seen in metro systems like those in Delhi and Bengaluru, these coaches are designed for urban travel and have a distinctive appearance for easy identification.

Grey and maroon coaches: These are associated with luxury trains like the Maharajas' Express, offering passengers a royal and high-end travel experience.