Northern Railway has officially addressed the viral social media video showing a religious ceremony, or ‘Pooja Path,’ being performed inside a moving train. Authorities confirmed on July 13, 2026, that the event did not occur in a standard passenger coach, but rather within a privately booked saloon car. The booking was made through the official IRCTC portal under the Full Tariff Rate (FTR) service, ensuring all railway protocols were followed.
Key details of the incident include:
- The private party paid a total of ₹3,08,580 for the booking.
- The saloon car was attached to Train No. 12926 Paschim Express for a trip from New Delhi to Mumbai.
- The booking was finalized on July 8, 2026, for a journey that took place on July 10, 2026.
- Indian Railways offers FTR services for individuals or groups, requiring a security deposit of ₹50,000 per coach.
Understanding the FTR Booking System
Indian Railways provides the Full Tariff Rate (FTR) service to allow passengers to book entire trains or dedicated carriages for private use, including religious pilgrimages or special events. These bookings must be made between 30 days to six months in advance. A saloon car, as seen in the viral video, is a luxurious, private rail carriage equipped with specialized amenities, designed specifically for such commercial charters.
Safety and Protocol Compliance
Northern Railway has explicitly stated that passenger safety and routine train operations were not compromised at any point during the journey. The clarification was issued to dispel rumors circulating online that the ceremony violated railway regulations or posed a security risk to other travelers. Because the event took place within a privately chartered space, the activity was fully permissible under the terms of the commercial booking. By providing this transparency, the national transporter aims to reassure the public that its standard operating procedures remain robust and that the sanctity of public travel is consistently maintained.