When looking at a train from the front, people usually pay attention to its locomotive, wagons, and passengers, but they often overlook a small red light located at the very end of the consist. Although for most this is just part of the train, in the railway sector this lamp performs an extremely important function.
This illumination serves not only for external identification but also helps railway employees determine whether the consist is complete or if any wagon has detached along the way. In this regard, the Railway Council has decided to tighten this safety system, especially concerning freight consists.
The red light installed at the very last part of the train is called a Tail Lamp. Its main task is to signal that the last section of the train has passed and the entire consist is moving safely. Simply put, if a red tail lamp is visible behind a freight train, railway employees understand that the entire consist has passed them. If, for any reason, a wagon or boxcar detaches along the way and the tail lamp is not visible, this situation can be noticed immediately. Thus, this small red light is of great importance for train safety.
The Railway Council has instructed all zonal railways to ensure the presence of tail lamps on freight trains. This requirement applies to both freight consists accompanied by a train manager or a working train manager, and those that travel without them. It also includes freight trains that operate without a Brake Van. A brake van is a special wagon located at the very end of the train where the train manager or engineer performs their duties. This wagon is also called a mini train control center. Under such conditions, the role of the tail lamp becomes even more significant for identifying the last section of the train.
The Railway Council has not only decreed the provision of tail lamps but has also defined responsibility for their use. Before the start of a shift, the locomotive engineer and assistant locomotive engineer will take the tail lamp from the lobby. After completing the train's operation, they are obliged to return the tail lamp to the same lobby. This ensures a clear understanding of who took the lamp and who returned it after fulfilling their duties. All zonal railways are mandated to ensure compliance with this procedure.
This decision was made following a safety review meeting held on September 2nd. At this meeting, the availability and correct use of tail lamps on freight trains were discussed. Following this, the Railway Council issued a formal directive on implementing this system. Thus, the railway aims to guarantee the availability of necessary safety measures for identifying the last section of freight trains and to establish responsibility for their application.
The tail lamp is especially important at night or in dense fog. During the day, the last wagon of the train is easily noticeable, but at night or in heavy fog, the red illumination helps to see it from a distance. This signals to the locomotive engineer approaching from behind that there is a train ahead on the track. If necessary, they can timely reduce speed or stop the train.