A saloon coach is a private luxury railway carriage that functions like a travelling hotel. File photo: IRCTC
Private puja on a train? Here's why Indian Railways says it's allowed
Northern Railway says religious ceremony took place in saloon coach, not a regular compartment. Here's everything you need to know about these luxury coaches
Days after a decorated "honeymoon coach" aboard a train went viral, another video has reignited discussion over what is permissible on Indian Railways. A clip showing a priest conducting a religious ceremony inside a train coach, with devotees seated around him, triggered criticism on social media, with many questioning whether such events are allowed onboard.
Northern Railway, however, clarified that the puja was not held inside a regular passenger coach but inside a privately chartered luxury saloon coach booked through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation's (IRCTC) Full Tariff Rate (FTR) scheme.
Also read: Scrapping of Rail Budget: The original sin behind India’s railway crisis
According to the railway zone, the saloon coach was commercially booked on July 8 after the party paid Rs 3,08,580. It was attached to Train No. 12926 Paschim Express for a one-way journey from New Delhi to Mumbai on July 10.
The incident has also brought attention to one of Indian Railways' least-known offerings — the luxury saloon coach.
What is a saloon coach?
A saloon coach is a private luxury railway carriage that functions like a travelling hotel. Unlike regular passenger coaches, it offers air-conditioned bedrooms, attached bathrooms, a lounge-cum-dining area and a kitchenette, allowing passengers to travel with complete privacy.
Originally designed for senior railway officials during inspection tours, these coaches were opened for commercial bookings through IRCTC in 2018.
Can ordinary passengers book one?
Yes. Since 2018, public have been allowed to hire saloon coaches through IRCTC's FTR scheme.
Bookings can be made either through the official FTR portal or by applying through railway reservation authorities.
How much does it cost?
Passengers are required to pay Rs 50,000 as security deposit per coach in addition to haulage charges, empty running charges and service fees.
Also read: Govt puts 4 more bullet train projects on track, including Delhi-Siliguri, the longest
For journeys exceeding seven days, an additional Rs 10,000 per coach per day is charged.
The final cost depends on the route, distance and duration of travel.
How many people can travel in such a coach?
Most saloon coaches can comfortably accommodate 18 to 24 passengers, although the luxury accommodation typically includes one or two master bedrooms, additional berths, a lounge and dining space.
They are generally booked by families, corporate groups, tour operators or VIP travellers.
Can saloon coaches be attached to every train?
No. They can only be attached to conventional Mail, Express and Superfast trains that have compatible rake formations and sufficient haulage capacity.
Premium trains such as Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto Express cannot carry saloon coaches because of their fixed train formations, strict schedules and technical restrictions.
Also read: Bengaluru-Mysuru bullet train to cut travel time to 30 minutes
Likewise, trains already operating with the maximum permissible 24 coaches cannot accommodate an additional saloon coach.
How many saloon coaches does Indian Railways have?
Indian Railways operates around 336 saloon coaches, including 62 air-conditioned units.
Most continue to serve as inspection coaches for railway officials, engineers and safety teams travelling to remote sections of the network.
Northern Railway has the largest fleet of air-conditioned saloons, followed by Western Railway.
Are they frequently booked?
No. Luxury saloon coaches remain among the rarest railway services used by the public.
Official railway data shows that only seven saloon coaches were commercially booked through IRCTC during one financial year. Overall, only a few hundred passengers experience these coaches annually.
High charter costs and operational restrictions have limited them to a niche segment.
What facilities do they offer?
A typical saloon coach includes air-conditioned bedrooms, attached western-style bathrooms, a living and dining area, kitchenette, large rear observation window in some coaches, dedicated railway staff, including an attendant and valet in certain coaches.
The coaches are usually attached at the rear of the train and remain isolated from regular passenger compartments.
Are private events allowed inside?
Yes, provided the entire saloon coach has been legally chartered, and railway rules are followed.
Also read: How Bengaluru to Hyderabad, Chennai bullet trains will help Karnataka
Private gatherings, family functions or religious ceremonies can be conducted inside a booked saloon coach, subject to safety regulations and without causing damage to railway property.
What is not allowed in regular coaches?
Regular passenger coaches remain public transport spaces and are governed by stricter rules.
Activities such as community religious gatherings, decorating coaches, blocking aisles or conducting events that inconvenience fellow passengers are not permitted.
Passengers may carry cakes, sweets or small gifts to celebrate personal occasions, provided they do not damage railway property or disturb others.
Can pets be taken onboard?
Yes, but only under specific conditions.
Pets are permitted only in fully booked AC First Class cabins or Executive Coupes. They are not allowed inside AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, Chair Car, Sleeper Class or Second Class coaches.
The clarification has settled the immediate controversy, but it has also brought renewed attention to Indian Railways' premium saloon coaches, a little-known service that remains available for public charter but is used by only a handful of travellers each year.