Railways clarifies private coach rules after viral train videos
Salon coach booking
Social media is full of Indian Railways news these days. There are two videos that highlight different scenarios on board trains.
In the first one, there was the performance of the Rudrabhishek ritual in a moving train where priests were chanting Vedic prayers before Lord Shiva.
Therefore, many people started wondering why a religious ritual was permitted within a train.
But Indian Railways explained that the coach was not a normal passenger coach.
In fact, it was a salon coach which had been booked by someone.
Passenger allegedly hired the complete coach via IRCTC for about ₹3.08 lakh.
The ride happened on July 10, 2026, from New Delhi to Bandra Terminus.
A salon coach is equipped with all luxurious amenities like a bedroom, a kitchen, and washroom.
It serves like a luxurious home on wheels.
According to the rules of the railways, private functions can be organized within a hired salon coach.
But this should not breach the safety rules.
Another viral video is now doing rounds on social media from Nandigram Express, South Central Railway.
Recently, a newly married couple had decorated their First AC coupe with flowers and decorative lights.
It is claimed that a professional decorator had done the decoration.
Although the decoration gained much popularity on the internet, Railways took it seriously.
They made it clear that it was not the matter of decoration.
Actually, an outside decorator boarded the train without permission for commercial purposes.
It was seen as a security offense by the Railways.
So, the Railway authorities suspended the on-duty railway staff.
Moreover, a case was filed against the decorator.
It was reiterated that the safety and security of passengers was the topmost priority of Railways.
Furthermore, the department said that any modification inside the regular coaches without permission was illegal.
It can be understood from the above incidents that there is a significant difference between the two cases.
Passengers can decorate their officially booked salon coaches for celebration.
However, no one is allowed to make any changes inside the regular coaches.
