The trending video, shared on social media platform X, depicted a priest leading a puja inside a train compartment, while numerous devotees, many clad in white, participated in the ceremony.
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 content, Northern Railway clarified that the ceremony did not occur in a standard passenger coach. They stated that the puja took place in a privately reserved saloon car, booked by a private entity through IRCTC, and the viral footage should not be confused with that of a regular passenger coach.
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The railway zone mentioned that the saloon car was commercially reserved via IRCTC on July 8, with an advance payment of ₹3,08,580. It was connected to Train No. 12926 Paschim Express for a one-way trip from New Delhi (NDLS) to Mumbai (BDTS) on July 10.
“The primary responsibilities concerning punctuality, safety, security, and passenger convenience lie with Railways without compromise,” Northern Railways noted, adding that no injuries were reported in this instance.
???????? 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 performing abhishek is in a saloon car reserved by the party,” it added.
What is a saloon car?
A saloon car is a private luxury rail coach designated for high-ranking officials and VIPs. Each saloon features two air-conditioned bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a spacious living and dining area equipped with sofas, a television, and a dining table.
In addition to the bedrooms, each saloon has four to six extra berths to accommodate additional passengers. The saloon car also comes with a fully equipped kitchenette containing cooking utensils, a refrigerator, an RO water purifier, and a hot water sink.
As per IRCTC, saloon cars can be attached to most Mail and Express trains departing from major railway stations.
