गाड़ी लेट है?

You do not need complex grammar here. Just say the phrase with a rising intonation at the end to turn it into a question. You can point at the display board or look at a fellow traveler while saying it. If you want to be more specific, you can add the train name before it. For example, Rajdhani late hai?. It is a great conversation starter with strangers while you are both checking your watches.

Use it the moment you notice the platform clock ticking past the scheduled arrival time. It is perfect for checking with the person sitting on the bench next to you. Use it when calling a friend who is coming to pick you up. You can also use it while standing in line at the inquiry counter. It is a functional phrase that helps you manage your schedule and expectations.

Do not use this for flights or buses in a formal setting. For flights, people usually use the English word 'flight'. Avoid using it if the train is clearly visible and moving toward the platform. Also, do not use it if you are in a very high-level government meeting. In those cases, use the more formal word vilamb for delay. Using late is very common, but it is definitely conversational Hindi.

Indian Railways is the backbone of the country. Waiting for a train is a national pastime. There is a unique culture of 'station small talk' where strangers become best friends over a shared delay. The word late has been completely absorbed into Hindi. You will rarely hear a local use the pure Hindi word for late in a casual setting. Asking this phrase is often the first step in a long conversation about where you are from and what you do.

You might hear Gaadi kitni late hai? which means 'How late is the train?'. Another common one is Train delay hai?. If you want to sound more local, you can say Gaadi time par hai? to ask if it is on time. Some people might just say Late hai? while pointing at the tracks. All of these will get you the information you need while making you sound like a seasoned traveler.