Types of Station in Indian Railways
Based on Function stations may be classified as follows : -
1. Way Side station
2.Junctions
3.Terminals
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1. Way Side Stations
It is a station set between principle stations on a line of travel where the train stops only on a signal. It is an intermediate stopping place. It is a common type of station where some trains stop and some do not. The train coming in opposite direction are accomodated. Loop lines and sidings are provided in such stations to facilitate faster trains to overtake a slower train. Platform in sufficient number are provided for up and down trains as well as for goods trains. Sidings help in sorting the goods wagon. Picture 1 given below is the picture of a wayside station. The wayside stations without sidings or loop lines are most often referred to as 'stops' or 'halts'.
2. Junction Station
A station where a branch line meets the main line or a main line of different route meets the main line of another route is called a Junction. Therefore Junction has facilities for interchange of traffic from one line to another line. Figure 2 given below ithe picture of Junction station.
3. Terminal Station
A station where main or branch line terminates is called a Terminal Station. These stations have facilities for passengers stay and repair of rolling stock , facilities for reversing the engines , number of sidings and examination pits. Hydraulic buffers are provided but they are meant as last resort to stop an engine when drivers effort to stop it fails. These are provided at the end of tracks. Terminals have enough circulating areas , ticket offices , passenger ammenities like retiring rooms and restaurants and goods storage sheds. Figure 3 is a picture showing a terminal station.
