Following ‘honeymoon coach’ controversy, video of puja on a moving train goes viral; Railways provides clarification.
13 July 2026, 2 min read
The viral footage, shared on social media platform X, captured a priest performing a puja inside a train coach, with numerous devotees—many clad in white—participating in the spiritual event.
ट्रेन में नमाज़ पढ़ने पर भावनाएं आहत हो जाती हैं…
ट्रेन के केबिन में हनीमून का सरप्राइज देने पर संस्कृति खतरे में आ जाती है और TTE सस्पेंड हो जाता है…
लेकिन जब भारतीय रेलवे के एक वीआईपी सैलून कोच (Saloon Coach) के अंदर बकायदा पंडितों को बुलाकर, चलती ट्रेन में पूरा तामझाम… pic.twitter.com/7use0bmfde
— Sudhanshu Yadav (@SocialistSpirit) July 12, 2026
In response to the viral video, Northern Railway clarified that the ceremony did not occur in a standard passenger coach. They specified that the puja was held inside a privately reserved saloon car, booked by a private party via IRCTC, emphasizing that the viral clip should not be confused with footage from a regular passenger coach.
ALSO READ | ‘Honeymoon coach’ row: Staff suspended, inquiry initiated after viral Nandigram Express decoration video
The railway zone noted that the saloon car was booked commercially through IRCTC on July 8, after an advance payment of ₹3,08,580 was made by the party. It was linked to Train No. 12926 Paschim Express for a one-way trip from New Delhi (NDLS) to Mumbai (BDTS) on July 10.
“The primary roles and responsibilities of ensuring punctuality, safety, security, and convenience of the passengers lie with Railways without any compromise,” stated Northern Railways, adding that no injuries occurred during the incident.
???????? The Saloon Car was booked by IRCTC on 08.07.26.The party made an advance payment of Rs 3,08,580
as commercial booking. The Saloon Car was to be attached in Train No. 12926 Paschim Express on one way journey from New Delhi (NDLS) to Mumbai (BDTS) on 10.07.2026.????????NR issued…
— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) July 12, 2026
“The priest seen conducting the abhishek was indeed in the saloon car reserved by the party,” they added.
What is a saloon car?
A saloon car is a private, luxurious railway coach designed for high-ranking officials and VIPs. Each saloon features two air-conditioned bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a spacious living and dining area complete with sofas, a television, and a dining table.
In addition to the bedrooms, each saloon has four to six extra berths available for accommodating additional passengers. The saloon car is also equipped with a full kitchenette, including cooking utensils, a refrigerator, an RO water purifier, and a hot water sink.
According to IRCTC, saloon cars can be attached to most Mail and Express trains from major railway stations.
