What are the last-vehicle indications that IR uses?
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 or very feeble. In recent years provision of an electric lamp has become more common (it is mandated in the rules). 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 now. EMU/DMU 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 (it stands for Last Vehicle). 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 as
