Knowing the Indian Train

Valid proof of what? Proof that you need to travel "Tatkal"?

Here is a really silly question about Indian trains that has been bugging me for several years...

Why is it that those huge locomotives have the cab at the rear, with the view to the front being through a tiny window and restricted by the entire length of the locomotive? Wouldn't it be just as easy to design them with the cab at the front, where the driver would have a clear view of the track ahead, and of both sides?

That's because Indians don't look ahead when driving. Look at the way they drive.

Nick

It's to give the loco crew some protection from the lunatic motorists who insist on crossing the tracks in front of the oncoming train.

Sorry for what seems to be a mishap: it should have been written as Valid ID Proof (specified by Indian railways); Photo ID card -Passport, PAN CARD, CREDIT CARD WITH PHOTO, SCHOOL/COLLEGE ID CARD WITH PHOTO, et al

Regret the error.

Well, Nick, the newer versions of the WDM/Ps you are mentioning are coming with cabs on both sides. Incidentally, if you see two such locomotives coupled together, you will find that there long hoods, as known in Rly parlance, are coupled together thus giving SHF mode: Short Hood First... otherwise, there would be need for turntables at major junctions.

It may be noted that even American/British Diesel Locos have the same configuration !

You must be talking about most of the diesel engines that ply in India, the WDMs and the WDPs, like these:

http://www.irfca.org/gallery/openline/DSC04135.JPG.html (A WDP4B)
http://www.irfca.org/gallery/openlin...sized.jpg.html (A WDM3D)

While electric engines have cabs at both ends, most diesel engines do not. There are a few diesels in India (the WDP3A and the WDP4D come to mind) that do have dual cabs, but most have been designed with only a single. Thus, when the engine heads in one direction, the cab is in the front (known as "short hood front", or "short hood leading" or simply "SHF"), whereas in the other direction the cab is at the back ("long hood front", or "LHF").

It is interesting to note that the WDP/WDG4 was not really intended to be driven LHF at high speeds as is seen in India. It was an American import (From EMD), and over there, these engines are meant to always be driven in pairs, like this, where they are coupled in a manner that whichever direction the engines are heading, the front engine is SHF. But in India, due to the perennial shortage of locos, you often see them being run LHF singly. This can be quite a pain for the loco pilots as the blind spot of the engine is much greater. So while many people say the WDP4/G4s are badly designed, the culprit, more than that, is improper use of them here.

WDP-4B comes with Dual Cabs.
Rebuilt WDM's are also equipped with dual cabs and LCD monitors.
Replacement of WDP are usually twin WDG's (Note: G indicates Goods) and WDM's.
WDM's are usually known for their honkings and steam ejection.

Hi Dipyaman: Nice.. Steam ejection or did you mean venting of diesel exhaust ventings ? always good wishes.

Sorry, but that's not correct. I think you're confusing WDP4B's with WDP4D's. Also, there is no WDMx engine (rebuilt or original) that has dual cabs as far as I know, the only dual-cab diesels being the WDP2/3A and WDP4D. Do see this link for a brief description of the various diesels that operated and are operating in India.

Sorry for the confusion. WDP-4D's has dual cab. 4B's do not.

Hello Sir,
I need to book Tickets for train- 11091. (CST - VSKP) for journey date: 17-09-2012 (Monday). So a day prior is Sunday, how can I book the Tatkal Tickets then.
Thanks.

If you are booking online, then you can start booking at 1000 hrs IST. Otherwise please be at the PRS Tatkal Counters at 1000 hrs in your area. Good wishes.

@Murli Garu: After a long time. Good to have you back.

Thanks you Sir. So it can be done on Sunday also ?

Online reservations can be done from 0030 hrs to 2330 hrs IST ONLINE on all days including other Holidays and National Holidays. Reservation at Counters on all days except Sunday is 0800 to 2000 hrs IST. Sunday it is 0800 hrs to 1400 hrs IST only. On National Holidays the PRS system operates as on Sunday !

Therefore, IF you are booking online, you can do it within the times stipulated above. Good wishes.