Have you ever heard a train horn closely? Well, they are not just for the arrival or departure but every horn and its duration has a meaning behind it. Here are eleven types of horns and what they mean, according to Indian railways.
One short horn
When a train blows a short horn that means the motorman would take the train in the yard where it would be washed and cleaned for its next trip.
Two short horns
When a train blows two short horns, the motorman gives signal to the guard to ask for a railway signal to start the train.
Three short horns
If the motormen press the horns thrice, it means they have lost control over the motor and that the guard has to immediately pull the vacuum break. He rarely presses the horn thrice.
Four short horns
The four short horns provide the signal that there is a ‘technical’ issue with the train and that the train would not go ahead.
One long horn and a shorter one
When the motorman press one long horn and a shorter one it means that the motorman is signaling the guard to set the brake pipe system before they start the engine.
Two long horns and two short horns
When the motorman presses two long horns and two short horns that means he is signaling the guard to take control of the engine.
A continuous horn
A continuous horn is blown for alerting the passengers that the train is passing non-stop through many stations.
Two horns with two pauses
This signal denotes to alert the passersby that the train would be running through a railway crossing.
Two long and short horns
If the motorman blows these horns, it denotes the train is changing the tracks.
Two short and one long horn
This sound indicates that a passenger has pulled a chain or the guard has pulled a vacuum break.
Six times, short horns
If the motorman six times, short horns blows it means It’s a trouble signal where the train is stuck in a dangerous situation.
PNN