What does ‘X’ Sign at the end of a train mean?

There are many things so fascinating around us which we are unaware about or rather we should say we have not really paid any attention.
One of the example of it is certain symbols and signages inside and outside of the trains. Meanings of most of them might not be known to everyone. Whether you keep travelling frequently or not, you might have noticed the letter X or a cross mark on the backside of the last coach/bogie of the train. If you have not observed yet, you might want to have a look the next time you visit the railway station.

For those who have already observed a mark like that and have wondered why it remains behind the last box of the train, here is the explaination. Most commonly the X mark is painted with a bright yellow or white colour on the last bogie behind the passenger trains running in India.

Also, if you notice closely, you will also find the letters LV written along with the cross mark. The term LV depicts Last Vehicle. It is also a small board sign highlighted with black on yellow colour and is usually attached to the rear side of the vehicle. A red light is available right below the letter X and it is a vital element to focus.

There is an important reason for its presence and that too at the last bogie of the train. The X mark on the last bogie of a train is highlighted with the objective to save an accident. It helps to ascertain that the one with the mark is the last box of that train. This sign also helps the staff to indicate that if the box with the X sign is not a trail behind a train, then it is in an emergency. A coach has a chance to get in an accident, if it is separated from the train.

Thus by viewing the ‘X’ sign, the railway guard in charge gets assurance that the train has passed in totality, as it is meant to be and there are no coaches which may have separated at the previous station or mid-way. In this case the guard will display green signal. At night, when it is dark and the sign is not very prominent, the red light under the scope of the mark helps to determine the last coach.

In case if there is no ‘X’ sign on the last coach of the passing train, it indicates an ‘Emergency Situation’ for railway officials. They take instant action to locate the separated/left out coaches and thereby ensure the safety of the passengers within.