Ever Noticed the 'X' on Last Train Coach? Here's What It Really Means

One such symbol is boldly painted "X" on the last coach. ALthough it might appear random but it actually plays a vital importance in the railway and operations.

If you want to know more about its purpose and significance, then read below:

The main purpose of "X" is to confirm whether all the coaches have passed through the station or not. It serves as a visual cue to the Railway staff that all the coaches have cleared the station area. This is particularly crucial in areas with low visibility and during night operations, where relying on signals only might not be sufficient. Hence, the "X" provides an extra layer of assurance that the train has passed completely.

Crucial in Emergency Situations

In some rare cases, if a coach accidentally detaches from the train, the absence of X serves as an immediate indicator of an emergency warning. AIt immediately alerts Railway authorities to quickly identify which train hasn't passed completely, prompting immediate action to locate the missing coach. This immediate action is significant to prevent potential accidents and ensure the safety of both passengers as well as the railway staff.

The "X" Isn’t the Only Indicator

While the "X" is a key marker, it’s not the only one used to identify the last coach. During the day, a board marked "LV" (Last Vehicle) is also displayed, clearly indicating the end of the train. At night, when visibility is lower and the "X" may not be easily seen, a blinking red tail lamp is attached to the last coach. These additional indicators work alongside the "X" to ensure railway staff can confidently confirm the train's full passage at all times.

While the "X" is not the only main indicator.

During the day, a board mark "LV" (Last Vehicle) board is also displayed, giving an indication of the end of the train.
At night, due to the lower visibility, a blinking red tail lamp is attached to the last coach to give the confirmation of the train passing completely. These other indicators work alongside "X" to ensure tain's full passage at all times.

Reflective Paint for Better Visibility

To make sure, the "X" is easily visible in all the lighting conditions, especially at night or fog, the railway authorities use reflexive or radium paint, for the marking. This coating enhances the visibility of "X" and can be easily seen by railway officials and station masters.