A viral video showing a priest performing a puja inside a moving train has triggered widespread debate on social media, days after the controversy over a “honeymoon-themed” First AC coach.
While many questioned whether religious ceremonies are allowed inside trains, Northern Railways has clarified that the rituals were conducted in a privately booked saloon coach and not in a regular passenger compartment.
The railway zone said the coach had been commercially booked through IRCTC by a private party, prompting renewed interest in what a railway saloon coach is and the rules governing its use.
Railways clarifies booking details
According to Northern Railways, the saloon coach was booked through IRCTC on July 8, 2026, after the party made an advance payment of ₹3,08,580.
The coach was attached to Train No. 12926 Paschim Express for a one-way journey from New Delhi (NDLS) to Mumbai (BDTS) on July 10.
The Railways said the priest seen performing Rudrabhishek in the viral video was conducting rituals inside the privately reserved saloon coach and that the event did not affect regular passengers or train operations.
Railways says safety rules remain unchanged
Northern Railways reiterated that ensuring the punctuality, safety, security and convenience of passengers remains its top priority.
Officials said saloon coaches can be hired commercially through IRCTC, subject to operational feasibility and compliance with railway rules.
Once the booking is approved, passengers may use the coach for lawful personal or private functions, provided there is no disruption to train operations or compromise in safety standards.
The Railways also dismissed claims circulating on social media that the coach had been allotted to a VIP or government official.
It clarified that official records show the coach was booked by a private organisation under the commercial booking system.
Visuals from Railway Saloon Coach
What is a Railway Saloon Coach?
A saloon coach is a premium railway carriage that can be hired for private travel through IRCTC.
Originally designed for senior railway officials and dignitaries, these coaches are now available for commercial bookings, subject to railway approval.
The coaches are equipped with:
Air-conditioned bedrooms
Living and dining area
Attached bathrooms
Fully equipped kitchen
Refrigerator, RO water purifier and cooking facilities
Dedicated attendants for passenger assistance
Passengers can also request cooks and catering services on payment of additional charges.
Can religious ceremonies be held?
According to railway guidelines, there is no specific prohibition on conducting private religious rituals inside a commercially hired saloon coach, provided all railway rules are followed.
Officials said such activities are permitted only if they do not obstruct train operations, inconvenience other passengers or violate safety regulations.
A refundable security deposit is also collected at the time of booking to cover any damage or rule violations.
‘Honeymoon coach’ row
The latest controversy comes shortly after a First AC coupe of the Nandigram Express went viral for being decorated like a honeymoon suite.
Following an inquiry, the Railway Ministry said the decorations had been arranged by a private decorator hired online by the passengers.
Since the decorator entered the coach without authorisation, the Railways suspended the employee responsible for allowing the unauthorised entry.
The two incidents have sparked discussion on social media over what activities are permitted inside privately booked railway coaches and how railway rules apply to such bookings.
