Social media platforms are often flooded with unexpected content, and the Indian Railways has once again become the center of a viral sensation, while following a recent controversial video of a Suhagrat bed being decorated inside a train, a new video has surfaced showing a religious ceremony being performed in a moving train. The footage depicts a priest conducting a Rudrabhishek and Havan with a fire pit placed on the floor of the coach, while this sparked significant concerns regarding passenger safety and fire hazards, leading to a heated debate online. However, the Indian Railways has now stepped forward to clarify the reality behind this incident.
The Truth Behind the Viral Havan Video
As the video gained traction and public outcry grew, Northern Railway issued an official statement to clear the air. According to the railway authorities, the religious ceremony wasn't taking place in a standard passenger coach such as a General, Sleeper, or AC coach, while instead, it was conducted within a private saloon coach that had been specifically booked by a passenger for a private journey. This distinction is crucial as saloon coaches operate under different regulations compared to regular passenger carriages, allowing for more personalized use of the space.
Booking Details and Financial Costs
The railway department revealed that the booking for this particular saloon coach was made on July 8 through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The party involved in the booking made an advance payment of 308580 rupees under commercial booking norms. This special coach was subsequently attached to the Paschim Express, train number 12926, which travels from New Delhi to Mumbai Central. The journey took place on July 10. The authorities emphasized that all necessary safety protocols were monitored during the trip, and no untoward incidents or accidents were reported despite the presence of the Havan fire.
What is a Saloon Coach?
A saloon coach is vastly different from the standard compartments seen on Indian trains. Often described as a five-star hotel on wheels, these coaches were historically reserved for the inspection tours of senior railway officials. However, the service has now been opened to the general public for private hire. These luxury coaches come equipped with two plush bedrooms, a spacious living area, a dining space, modern bathrooms, and even a small kitchenette where meals can be prepared according to the passengers preferences. The high cost of 308580 rupees reflects the premium nature of these facilities, providing a level of privacy and luxury not found in regular rail travel.