40+ Key Terms And Slangs Used in Indian Railway: Railway Terms, Exams, Jobs And More

40+ Key Terms and Slangs Used in Indian Railway: Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world, carrying millions of passengers and goods every day. It has its own set of terms, abbreviations and slang that are regularly used by staff, officers, and even passengers. These railway terms are important not just for employees working in the system but also for students preparing for railway exams, such as RRB NTPC, Group D, ALP, and others. Knowing these words helps in understanding railway announcements, documents, and job-related duties clearly.

For example, terms like LHB coach, AC-3 Tier, Green Flag or PNR are used almost every day but may confuse someone who’s not familiar. Similarly, employees use short forms like Loco Pilot, Guard, RPF, and TT during operations. By learning these key terms and slang, you can travel smarter, prepare better for exams, and even communicate more confidently if you’re joining railway services. In this guide, we’ve divided 45 common terms into different categories to make learning easy and fun for everyone interested in Indian Railways.

45 Key Railway Terms and Slang You Must Know

Passenger-Related Terms

Key Indian Railway terms and Slangs (Image: Canva)

1. PNR (Passenger Name Record) – A 10-digit code for booking status

2. RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) – Seat is shared but guaranteed travel

3. WL (Waiting List) – Not yet confirmed

4. Tatkal – Emergency last-minute ticket booking

5. General Coach (GS) – Unreserved coach

6. SL (Sleeper Class) – Budget travel class

7. AC-3 Tier – Three-tier air-conditioned class

8. Berth – Sleeping seat in a train

9. Chart Prepared – Final list of passengers before departure

10. Chair Coach (CC AC)– AC Coach with chair facility

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Staff and Role-Based Terms In Railway

11. Loco Pilot – The train driver

12. Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) – Assists the loco pilot

13. Guard – Staff at the end coach, ensuring safety

14. TTE (Travelling Ticket Examiner) – Checks tickets

15. Station Master – In charge of station operations

16. RPF (Railway Protection Force) – Ensures passenger safety

17. Pointsman – Handles track switches

18. Signalman – Controls signal lights

19. Gangman – Maintains railway tracks

20. Booking Clerk – Sells tickets at counters

Train & Technical Terms

21. EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) – Used in suburban trains

22. LHB Coach – Modern German-designed coach

23. ICF Coach – Older coach design

24. WAP-4, WDP-4, WAG-9 – Types of locomotives (Electric, Diesel, Goods)

25. Dead Engine – Locomotive being towed

26. Power Car – Coach with generator

27. Brake Van – Coach with brakes and tools

28. Shunting – Moving train cars within the yard

29. Coupling – Connecting train coaches

30. Detonator – Signal device placed on track in emergencies

Operational & Safety Terms in Indian Railways

Key Indian Railway terms and Slangs (Image: Canva)

31. Green Flag – Signal for "All Clear"

32. Red Flag – Stop immediately

33. Signal Failure – Fault in the signalling system

34. Block Section – Portion between two stations

35. Level Crossing – Road crossing the railway line

36. Derailment – Train going off track

37. Accident Relief Train (ART) – Special train for emergencies

38. Whistle Code – Communication using loco whistle

39. Section Controller – Coordinates train movements

40.  Chain Pulling – Emergency brake (often misused)

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Common Slangs & Abbreviations

41. Box – Informal slang for a goods wagon

42. Rajdhani – Premium express trains

43. Superfast – Train with fewer halts

44. Slow Passenger – Train stopping at every station

45. Local – Suburban train used in cities like Mumbai

46. Express- Faster than local trains