Thousands of trains run according to signals every day in the country. When it turned green, it started moving, when it turned red, it stopped, but do you know that there is a train in India which runs not by signal but by people’s hand signals? This train is neither in any big city, nor is it high speed, yet it has been running for more than 100 years. Its story is a unique chapter in the history of Indian Railways.

Unique train that stops on hand signal

Indian Railways is considered to be the fourth largest railway service in the world. Every day about 13 thousand passenger trains travel in different parts of the country. Generally every train runs under the signal system, but in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, there is a small train which has created its own special identity apart from this rule.

This train runs between Ait Junction and Konch in Jalaun district. This is a small shuttle service on this route of about 13 kilometers long, which the local people fondly call Adda.

The journey continues since 1902

This train was started during the British era, in the year 1902. That means this service has been running for more than 124 years. Railways have seen many changes in such a long time, but the identity of this short line remains the same even today. Its route may be short, but its importance is no less. In an area like Bundelkhand, where villages are located far apart, this train has become an important part of everyday life.

Not a signal, but a hand signal.

The biggest feature of this train is that to stop it, passengers just have to show their hands. If someone standing near the track or on the platform signals, the train stops. Although it is not completely uncontrolled. The train runs on a fixed route and between limited stations, but the flexibility to stop as per local needs has become its identity.

small train, big support

There are only three coaches in this train. Its average speed is about 30 kilometers per hour. It completes the journey of 13 kilometers in about 40 minutes. The farmers here reach the market with their produce by this train. Small businessmen and students also depend on it. That is why this train is not just a means of transportation but is the lifeline of the local people.

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Indian Railways is one of the largest rail networks in the world. Crores of passengers every day, thousands of trains and the challenges of different weather conditions, amidst all this, every small detail becomes very important. In such a situation, the name of the station should be visible at the right time, this is most important for both passengers and staff. The interesting thing is that this name is seen written in the same color on almost every small and big railway station of the country. Neither blue, nor white, nor green – always names in black letters on a yellow board. Is this just a coincidence or is there a solid reason behind it? Let us know.

Why is yellow color special?

Yellow color is one of the most easily detectable colors for the human eye. If seen scientifically, yellow color is clearly visible even from a distance. When a train enters the platform at high speed, it takes a few seconds to identify the station. In such a situation, black letters are most clearly visible on the yellow background.

Dependable in all weather conditions

There is dense fog during winter in many parts of India. White or light colors get hidden in the fog in such weather. The yellow color breaks through the fog and emerges. Even at night, the yellow board is clearly visible in the station lights. This is the reason why the loco pilot has the least trouble in identifying the station.

The decision is directly related to security

The station board is not only for the passengers, but is also a very important sign for the train driver and railway staff. If the correct station is identified in time, decisions related to braking, stopping and signaling are accurate. If the board is not clearly visible, the risk of malfunction in operation may increase. Therefore, yellow color is considered the most reliable from security point of view.

system dating back to the British era

The foundation of Indian Railways was laid during the British period. Even at that time, yellow color was made the standard for station name boards. The reason is the same – better visibility and uniformity. Even after independence, the Railways did not change this system because it proved practical. Having the same color throughout the country makes it easy for travelers to identify each other.

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