Do you understand Why is there a cross (X) sign behind the last bogie of the train?
Every year thousands of millions of passengers travel by train. Most of you must have seen the X mark behind the last coach of the train, but do you know why the X mark is made behind the last coach of the train.
Last vehicle indications are of different types. A large 'X' is often seen painted on the rear of the coach that is the last one. A set of concentric circles may also be seen, although this seems to be going out of use as of 2008.rakes have a smaller 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 with 'LV' (black on yellow) is often attached to the rear of the vehicle.
The cross (X) sign at the last coach of the train indicates that it is the last vehicle(LV) of the train composition. It is used so as to keep a track of whether accidental coupling breakage has occurred en route or not. If the last wagon of the train doesn`t contain this symbol, then it indicates that the train is in trouble and also it can be known that train is running without some wagons. It can easily alert the railway officials so that they can save from the accident. Therefore, don’t forget to observe this symbol on the last wagon from the next time you travel in the train. Be careful and alert others by sharing this news.
If a train passes by a station or signal cabin without the appropriate last vehicle indication (or without confirmation of the number of coaches or wagons as mentioned above), it is assumed that the train has parted and suitable emergency procedures are brought into play.
There are some cases where a Last Vehicle indication is not required - for instance, when the number of coaches or wagons in a train can be passed on to each block section after verification from the previous block section at the time the Line Clear indication is obtained (and with exchange of private numbers). The information is also provided to the section controllers. In some cases when working entirely within one block section, an 'LV' sign is not needed, if the number of coaches or wagons is communicated telephonically to the next station.
