Different Types of Trains In India

Railway Coaches

A railway coach may be defined as a railroad car designed to carry passengers and a carriage from one part to another. This is also known as bogie.

This mode of transportation is quite useful when a carriage or passenger must move for a long distance without any time constraints. This is very useful in a country with less income like India where people usually want to save money but do not worry about time.

Types of Coaches based on Train Type

There are different types of bogies used in Indian railways. Some of them have been given below-

·       EMU/DEMU Train

The term DEMU is an abbreviation of Diesel Electric Multiple Unit in which a diesel engine drives an electrical alternator that produces electricity and is used to drive the train. These trains are very rare and used for short distances only.

The major features of such trains are-

-       These were frequently used trains in the recent past but now replacing EMUs.

-       Suitable for short-distance travel.

-       If a green strip is used in EMU/MEMU, it indicates that the compartment is a ladies’ compartment.

-       Some special color patterns are also there to show the door automated.

·       Antyodaya Train

Antyodaya is a Hindi term that indicates the last mile of people or financially backward people of the country. Such trains are sophisticated with fully unreserved coaches with modern amenities and facilities. The objective of such trains is to provide high-class facilities to the low-class travelers of the country.

In budget 2016, Antyodaya Express was announced and more than 30 such trains are running in the country.

The major features of such trains are-

-       Prior booking is not required to travel in such trains.

-       CCTV cameras in every coach train

-       Bio-toilet in every coach

·       Tejas Express

This was a new era in the Indian Railway Industry where the first corporate train was introduced. This is named Tejas Express and is equipped with flight-like facilities along with semi-high speed with a speed of up to 150 KMPH.

The major features of such trains are-

-       It consists of security features like CCTV in each coach.

-       Personal LCD entertainment cum information screen with headphones

-       Modular bio-toilets in each coach

-       Onboard Wi-Fi facility

-       Automated in and out facility just like metro trains

·       Gatimaan Express

This is supposed as the first semi-high-speed train in India with a maximum speed of 160 KMPH. This train is like an AC chair car with a yellow stripe at the bottom. The idea of the government to run such trains is to promote tourism throughout the country.

The major features of such trains are-

-       It is like aero planes or AC chair car

-       The ticket fare is for an executive class ticket

·       Duronto Express  

These trains are especially operating in between state capitals or in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc. The coaches of such trains are the same as the Rajdhani Express and of the LHB category.

The major features of such trains are-

-       This category of trains is supposed to be the fastest trains with limited stoppage.

-       The usual breaks are the technical breaks otherwise it does not stop on stations.

·       Humsafar Express

These category trains are fully air-conditioned trains with all AC tier 3 coaches. The coaches are the same as those used in Rajdhani trains of the LHB category over which vinyl wrap of Humsafar is pasted to provide a cool look and for differentiation.

The major features of such trains are-

-       It consists of CCTV security with Tea/Coffee vending machines.

-       Total number of coaches is 21, out of which 16 are passenger coaches.

-       GPS is available in every coach train which provides real-time tracking of the train.

·       Rajdhani Express

As the name suggests, Rajdhani means the capital. This category of trains connects the capital of the country (New Delhi) to the capital of various states. All coaches whether sleeper or AC are painted with red color. The first Rajdhani Express departed on 03 March 1969 from Howrah to Delhi.

The major features of such trains are-

-       The coach category is of LHB which is supposed to be the highly safe category of the coach.

-       The trains consist of 1A, 2A, 3A, etc.

-       The maximum speed is 120-130 KMPH.

-       More than 24 pairs of trains are running throughout the country.

·       Shatabdi Express

These are the trains that are used to connect the major cities of the country. The major characteristic of such is that it operates in the daytime and completes its journey from origin to destination in a day.

The major features of such trains are-

-       It provides only seating facility throughout the coaches

-       This may be an AC chair car or a non-AC chair car

-       More than 20 pairs of trains are operational throughout the country.

-       First Shatabdi Express was started named Lucknow Shatabdi Express

·       Vande Bharat

This is India’s first indigenously developed rail and was inaugurated on Feb 2019. This train consists of the self-powered module which indicates that it does not require any extended locomotives. 

The major features of such trains are-

-       Increased seating decline angle which enhances the comfort level

-       Better access to mobile charging options

-       Extended footrest for executive class coaches

·       Maharaja Express

This is a premium-class tourist train that consists of a deluxe cabin, junior suite, and presidential suite. This is the most preferable train for foreign tourists.

The major features of such trains are-

-       This train consists of almost 24 coaches.

-       Total capacity of tourists is 88 only.

-       This is a costly train as the minimum fare varies from 33000 to 113000 INR.

·       Neelgiri Mountain Train

Neelgiri is a world heritage site and has great natural beauty. This is the slowest train in our country and quite famous as many movies shooting has been done on this toy train. 

The major features of such trains are-

-       The journey on this train is an amazing experience while going to Ooty from Mettupalayam.

-       The tickets for this train are available Online/Offline in both modes.

-       The journey consists of about 10 stations.

·       Double Decker

The double-decker train are using a unique color combination which is the combination of red & yellow. This train operates in such areas where traffic is high.

The major features of such trains are-

-       The first double-decker train was Uday Express.

-       This train consists of facilities such as Wi-Fi, padded seats, and display screens.

·       Darjeeling Himalayan Train

This is another toy train that runs between New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. This train is also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The major features of such trains are-

-       This is a feature train for tourists and one must have to sit on this train while visiting Darjeeling.

·       Kalka Shimla Train

This is another historic train on the Kalka-Shimla Heritage Track declared by UNESCO.

The major features of such trains are-

-       The total track length is ~96 Km.

-       The total trip duration is approximately 5 hours.

-       One must take a ride on this train which starts from Kalka, near Chandigarh.

·       Tram Train

This is also known as street car as road traffic moves along with this train. This train operates in Calcutta, West Bengal.

·      Metro Trains

This is another way of transportation inside the most popular cities. These trains run with higher frequency but with less distance. The Delhi Metro handles a huge population every day.

·       Bullet Train

This is another category of train that runs between two cities located far away. Such trains are very popular and status symbols for various countries. 

The major features of such trains are-

-       Huge investment required.

-       Fast and speedy thus distance can be covered in a short span of time.

-       The tentative speed limits are almost 600 KMPH.  

-       India’s first metro is under construction and may be ready by 2026.

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Note: Image Credit- Google.Com