DID YOU KNOW ? Why is there a cross mark 'X' on the backside of a train?

You May get a doubt that why it is there on the last wagon and what's the importance of that symbol.

Every day millions of people travel by train. Have you ever seen the last bogey/wagon on the train? Probably not, many people will never see or read the last bog of the train. Today, We will tell you the last meaning of 'X' written at the last bogie of the train.

Here is the reason behind those symbols:

1. It indicates that the wagon consisting of this letter "X" is the last wagon of the train.

2. The Letter "X" is used during the morning whereas Red light below it is used to indicate during the night.

3. if the last wagon of the train does not contain any symbol, then it indicates that the train is in trouble and also it can be known that the train is running without some wagons.

4. It can easily alert the railway officials so that they can save from the accident.

5. In addition, a small board with 'LV' in black and yellow is often attached to the rear of the vehicle and it stands for the Last Vehicle.

The last vehicle of a train is supposed to carry a red lamp at the rear. Earlier, the requirement was for merely an oil lamp, which was often missing on very feeble.

In recent years provision of an electric lamp, as mandated by the rules, has become more common.

A set of concentric circles may also be seen, although this seems to be going out of use as of 2008. EMU/DMU rakes have a similar painted X red on white at the rear, or sometimes a series of diagonal strokes painted on, these painted symbols are all in addition to the lamp mentioned above. In addition, a small board LV is often attached to the rear vehicle.

If a train passes by a station or a signal cabin without the appropriate last vehicle indication or without confirmation of the number of coaches or wagons. it is assumed that the train has separated and suitable emergency procedures are brought into play.

There are some cases where the last vehicle indication not so very required for an instance. when the number of coaches or wagons in a train can be passed on to each block section at the time the line clear indication is obtained and with the exchange of private numbers. The information is also provided to the section controllers, In some cases when working entirely within the one-block section, an 'LV; sign is not needed if the number of coaches or wagons is communicated by telephone to the next station.

In Sri Lanka.

LV board is also used by Sri Lankan Railways. This board is used for the same purpose and is usually hung in the buffer of the last wagon. However, In DMUs to indicate the last carriage (usually a driving/trailer car)redlights are used.

So don't forget to observe this symbol on the last wagon from the next time you travel on the train. Be careful and alert others by sharing this useful information.