Indian Railway : Why is there an ‘X’ symbol on the last coach of the train? If it is not, then why is there excitement in the railway administration?

What is the main purpose of this ‘X’ symbol?

According to Indian Railways rules, it is mandatory to make an ‘X’ mark in white or yellow color on the last coach of every train. This symbol acts as a ‘visual confirmation’ for the railway staff. When a train proceeds from a station or a railway gate, the station master and trackman stationed there inspect the sign. If this symbol appears, the railway administration is assured that all the coaches of the train have moved forward safely and no coach has been left behind. Indian Railways

‘LV’ board and flashing red light

Just below this ‘X’ symbol you can see a small plate with ‘LV’ written on it. It means ‘Last Vehicle’ in English. These signs and boards are easily visible during the day. But, to make these signs visible at night, in darkness or in thick winter fog, a red light is fixed on this box, which flashes continuously. On seeing this light, the staff at the railway gate or the officer in the cabin report that the train has passed completely. Indian Railways

If there is no ‘X’ mark on the compartment, what happens in the control room?

If a train proceeds from a station and no ‘X’ symbol, ‘LV’ plate or flashing red light is seen on its last coach, an ‘Emergency’ is immediately declared in the railway administration.

• Chances of Accident: Non-appearance of the sign means that some coaches of the train have been released somewhere on the back track due to broken coupling or technical failure.
• Emergency movements in the control room: The station master immediately sends a message via wireless to the main control room.
• Other trains stopped are: All the trains coming and going on that route are stopped immediately to avoid a major accident due to the rear coaches getting stuck on the track itself.
• Rescue Operation: A technical team of the Railways is immediately dispatched to inspect the track and take the remaining coaches to a safe place. Indian Railways