Interesting Meaning Of White, Yellow, Red, Green Stripes On Train Coaches

Out of all the country’s transportation systems, the Indian Railways are the most crucial, transporting nearly 80% of all cargo and 70% of all passengers. The Ministry of Railways, Government of India, owns this statutory organization, which runs the country’s rail network.

Indian Railways started operating on April 16, 1853, with the first segment of 22 miles (34 km). On the other hand, the Indian Railway System has expanded to become the second-biggest organization in the world in terms of route length and the largest in Asia.

When it comes to middle-class individuals like me, who come from less affluent backgrounds and could not afford regular flying trips, trains are always an economical option to add a special touch to the journey.

The most frequent occurrence for us is travelling by train. We all require transportation since we must travel over long distances. Out of all the available transit options, trains turn out to be the most practical and affordable choice. We like and experience exhilaration while travelling by train. We must have all travelled by rail to the vacation with our families.

Why train coaches have white and yellow stripes?

Not only is a train a means of transportation. It links individuals and gives them access to resources like employment, communities, and commodities. It provides necessary social services. The foundation of the transportation system and a key factor in fostering a sustainable economy are trains.

We frequently read novels and periodicals about the wonderful experience of taking trains. Our hearts are filled with adventure, pleasure, and delight as we read them.

But recently, I’ve been reading about some obscure railroad facts. I’ll admit that I’m aware of some of those facts, but one of them—the one about the different coloured stripes on railway coaches—literally blows my mind. Even I saw those stripes every time on trains but I didn’t draw my attention as I think that they are not worthy of my attention.

Recommended read: Ever Wondered Why Indian Railways Has Blue, Red And Green Coaches?

So, let’s investigate why these colourful strips are placed on train coaches and what’s their significance

These stripes have a very significant function. Some coaches have them painted in a different colour above the penultimate window to distinguish them from the other coaches. Different colours of coaches have a different colour of stripes and they all have their own significance. So, let’s just find out about it:

1. White stripes on blue coaches

For instance, unreserved second-class coaches of a certain train are identified by white stripes painted on blue Railway carriages. As a result, when the train pulls up to the platform, passengers can quickly recognize the general carriage thanks to these stripes.

2. Yellow stripes on blue and red coaches

On blue/red coaches, similar wide yellow stripes are painted to signify that the coaches are being used for sick or physically challenged passengers.

3. Green stripes ob grey coaches

Grey coaches which are allowed for ladies have green stripes on their bodies.

4. Red stripes on grey coaches

In contrast, first-class compartments in EMU/MEMU trains are identified by red stripes on grey coaches.

Though they have a variety of design elements, trains are the ones that draw the most tourists to the nation, thus different colours were used to paint them. Many trains had various caricatures and posters on them, but what I always noticed was how the colours of the trains alternated between different colours.

However, I am now well aware of all the symbolic work that the trains did. The Indian Railways uses a number of symbols to make information about trains easier to grasp for passengers, including these stripes.