Indian Railways Clarifies Puja Ceremony in Private Chartered Coach

Indian Railways has officially addressed a viral video showing a religious ceremony being performed inside a moving train coach. The clip sparked widespread debate on social media, prompting questions about public safety and the appropriate use of railway premises. Railways clarified that the coach was not a public carriage but a private saloon hired through an IRCTC booking, for which the customer paid over ₹3 lakh.

The official statement was released to debunk claims that special VIP privileges were granted to specific individuals for the puja. By providing documentation regarding the hiring of the saloon, the railways sought to dispel misconceptions about the incident. The clarification highlights that the arrangement followed standard procedure for private bookings, which allow for the exclusive use of the coach, rather than an unauthorized or irregular religious event in a public space.

The incident served as a flashpoint for discussions regarding the intersection of religion and public infrastructure. While the viral nature of the video drew intense skepticism and commentary on social media, the railway's factual response successfully redirected the conversation toward the transparency of their booking policies. Moving forward, the incident highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining public decorum while upholding the contractual privacy afforded to those who rent exclusive rail services under established commercial norms.