Indian Railways has officially clarified the booking process for private saloon coaches following a viral video showing a religious ceremony performed inside a moving train. Northern Railway confirmed on July 13, 2026, that the event occurred within a privately chartered saloon car rather than a standard passenger coach. Key details regarding the booking include:
- The saloon car was chartered via IRCTC by ‘Dana Pani, Kannauj’ for a total cost of ₹3,08,580.
- The booking was made on July 8, 2026, for a journey on Train No. 12926 Paschim Express from New Delhi (NDLS) to Mumbai (BDTS) on July 10, 2026.
- Private saloon cars are available to the public through the IRCTC Full Tariff Rate (FTR) service.
- Bookings require a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of six months’ advance notice.
Understanding Private Saloon Coaches
Once reserved exclusively for top railway officials, these luxurious ‘mini-houses on wheels’ are now available for public booking to boost tourism. These coaches provide a premium, private travel experience, featuring two air-conditioned bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchenette equipped with a refrigerator and water purifier. Each journey includes dedicated staff, including an AC attendant and a saloon attendant, to ensure passenger comfort.
Booking Requirements and Costs
To secure a saloon car, applicants must coordinate through the Chief Passenger Traffic Manager. The service is subject to operational feasibility and requires the scheduled train to have a minimum halt of 10 minutes at the boarding station.
Financial terms for these charters are significant. A refundable security deposit of ₹50,000 per coach is mandatory at the time of booking, with the full balance due 48 hours before departure. The minimum chargeable distance for such bookings is 500 kilometers. On average, the cost for a saloon car ranges between ₹2,00,000 and ₹3,00,000, which is roughly 18 times the price of a First Class AC ticket for 18 passengers. These coaches are designed to accommodate up to six passengers in the bedrooms, with additional berths available for larger groups, offering a high-end, exclusive travel solution for those seeking privacy on the tracks.