Indian Railways Sign Boards and Their Meanings
1. Speed Indicators
b). A blue board displaying a white number indicates the speed limit (in kilometers per hour) specifically for Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains.
2. Termination Indicators
a). The T/P signboard in Indian Railways indicates the end of the speed zone specifically designated for passenger trains.
b) The T/G signboard signifies the termination of the speed zone designated for goods trains.
c). The T sign written on a yellow board with black text is used to indicate the termination of the speed limit for all trains.
d). T/L signboard is used to denote the termination of the speed limit for local, i.e., suburban trains, usually EMU or DMU trains.
3. Whistle Indicators
a). A simple ‘W’ on a square yellow board indicates ‘Whistle’. Train drivers are instructed to sound their horns after sighting this board.
b)The “W/L” signboard on railway tracks signifies the instruction for train drivers to whistle when approaching a level crossing. It serves as a straightforward indication to alert the drivers that a level crossing is ahead and they are required to sound the whistle accordingly.
4. Stop indicator
The most commonly used stop indicator on railway tracks is a rectangular board featuring white and red bands. This indicator is installed on a post with alternating red and white bands. During nighttime, the sign is illuminated by two red lamps. Trains are prohibited from proceeding beyond the stop indicator, and it serves as a clear signal for them to come to a halt.
5. Caution Order for Tunnel
Similar to the caution indicators mentioned earlier, there is another sign placed specifically at the entrance of a tunnel. It consists of a yellow circular board with black text stating ‘C/T,’ which stands for ‘Caution/Tunnel ahead.’ This sign serves as a warning to alert train operators of an upcoming tunnel and advises them to proceed with caution.
6. Caution Indicators
These are arrow-shaped symbols displayed on boards along railway lines, pointing either to the left or right. These signboards indicate particular limitations or restrictions on the tracks, which can be either temporary or permanent engineering restrictions or caution orders. The direction indicated by the arrow signifies where the restriction is applicable.
Usually, the caution indicator is placed 700 meters before a speed indicator board and 800 meters before the actual location where the restriction begins.
7. Siding Indicator
A yellow circular board, approximately 1 meter in diameter, displaying an ‘S’ on it, signifies the presence of facing points for a siding. It serves as an instruction for locomotive drivers to reduce their speed below the usual authorized speed for that particular section.
8. Kilometer Number
The train station symbol you are referring to is one of the earliest and most commonly used signs found on Indian railway tracks. It consists of a series of white or yellow stones positioned alongside the tracks. These stones, known as kilometer boards, indicate the distance from the headquarters or the nearest major railway station to the location where they are placed.
9. Calling on signal
A calling-on signal is utilized to grant permission for a locomotive or train to enter a block section or a track within the limits of a station, even if it is already occupied by another train or locomotive. This signal is used specifically for the purpose of coupling trains or allowing them to enter the station limits.
10. Refuge indicator
Refuge indicators in railways refer to flat spaces created alongside the tracks, typically in square shapes. These spaces are designed for inspection trolleys, personnel, and materials to wait until a train has passed on the track. It is denoted by a letter ‘R’ on a small yellow circular board.
11.Railway crossing sign
a)UNGUARDED RAILWAY CROSSING:
This sign is utilized on the approaches to level crossings that lack gates or other physical barriers. An advance warning sign, featuring two bars, is positioned 200 meters ahead of the crossing. Additionally, a second sign with a single bar is placed near the actual crossing area.
b)GUARDED RAILWAY CROSSING:
The sign you are referring to is used to caution traffic approaching a protected railway crossing. An early warning sign, indicated by two bars, is placed 200 meters before the crossing, while a second sign, indicated by a single bar, is installed near the actual crossing.
Indian Railways Sign Boards and Their Meanings.We hope you liked the complete list of Indian railway signal symbols.