Indian Railways issued a clarification after a video of a religious ceremony being performed inside a moving train coach went viral [1].

The incident has sparked public discussion regarding the legality and safety of conducting rituals on active rail lines. Because the footage showed a priest and devotees performing a puja in a moving carriage, many users questioned whether such activities violate railway regulations [1].

According to a railway spokesperson, the ceremony took place inside a private saloon coach [1]. These specialized carriages can be chartered by individuals or groups for private use, providing a level of autonomy not found in standard passenger coaches [2].

Officials said that the coach in question had been privately booked for the event [2]. The cost for this specific booking exceeded ₹3 lakh [2].

The railway administration said that the booking was legitimate, and the use of the private space for the ceremony was permitted under the terms of the charter [1]. The video had gained significant traction on social media platforms, leading to the official response to address public queries [1].

Private saloon coaches are often used by high-ranking officials or wealthy individuals for transit. In this instance, the charter allowed the group to transform the interior of the carriage into a space for religious observance while traveling through India [2].

“A video of a religious ceremony being performed inside a moving train coach went viral.”

This incident highlights the intersection of private luxury charters and public infrastructure in India. By confirming that the ceremony was legal due to the private nature of the booking, Indian Railways reinforces the distinction between standard passenger conduct and the privileges afforded to those who pay premium rates for saloon coaches.