1. Trains are a mode of transport. Trains move on tracks called rails. The places where the trains stop to let people get in and out are called the railway stations.
2. In a railway station, there is one to many platforms. The steps on the train touch the platform and let’s people climb in and get out.
3. The people who travel by a train are called passengers.
4. To travel by train, we have to buy railway tickets from the counters on the platform.
5. The place from which we get into a train is called the boarding station.
6. The place where we get off from the train is called the destination.
7. To travel from one place to another, we can use a local passenger train or an express train depending on availability.
8. There are different categories and facilities in train journey. These are sleeper class, chair car, first or second class with and without air conditioning and economy class including a separate ladies compartment...
9. For long distance journeys, we can also buy tickets earlier. This is called reservation. In such trains, food catering is done as a paid inservice and is called pantry.
10. When we go to see off or welcome someone at the railway station, we have to buy platform tickets.
11. Trains have different numbers and names based on the route of travel. This is announced at the station, over public address system or displayed on television screens in big stations. In small stations, the details are displayed on notice boards and by ringing of loud bells.
12. The running of trains is controlled using signals between the Station Masters in every railway station and the guards inside every train.
13. These signals may be lights or flags…Red says stop and green says go…
14. In big stations, there are tea shops, bakeries, fruit stalls, restaurants, cloak room (to keep luggage), retiring rooms (to take rest), waiting rooms, prepaid auto and taxi services, telephone booths, tourist information centers etc.
15. There are many goods trains also which carry food materials, liquid fuels, and even our domestic LPG.
16. The engine drivers and technicians are specially trained by the Railway Institute.
17. All trains run on pre determined specific schedule only. This is called a railway timetable.
18. Railways have a separate police force to safe guard the system.
19. Porters are those people who can be called upon to help passengers to carry their luggage. Its a paid service. Some stations have hand carts for use by passengers with more luggage and these can easily be transferred through a conveyance belt system...However, slogan goes as " Less luggage, more comfort"...
20. Thus, a railway station is a busy area.