13 July,2026 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Railway officials explained that saloon cars can be hired commercially through IRCTC. Representational Pic
Amid social media speculation over a saloon coach attached to Train No. 12926, Indian Railways has clarified that the coach was not a government or VIP saloon allotted to any public authority, but a commercially booked saloon hired by a private party through IRCTC.
In a statement, railway officials said the saloon car was booked by Dana Pani, Kannauj, under the existing Commercial Saloon Booking Rules of Indian Railways.
According to the Railways, the booking request was received on July 8, and after completion of all prescribed formalities, a sum of Rs 3,08,580 was collected from the private party towards the commercial booking. The journey authority was subsequently issued, and the commercial run was notified by Northern Railway as per established procedures.
Railway officials explained that saloon cars can be hired commercially through IRCTC, subject to operational feasibility and compliance with railway regulations.
Once a booking is approved, the hirer is permitted to use the saloon car for lawful purposes, provided all safety requirements, operational instructions and applicable railway rules are strictly followed.
The Railways further stated that official records clearly show the coach was booked by a private entity and not allotted to any government department, office or authority.
"Railway records confirm that this was a private commercial booking. Therefore, social media posts portraying it as a government or VIP saloon allotted to any government office or authority are factually incorrect," the statement said.
The clarification comes after several social media posts alleged that the saloon coach attached to the train was being used as a special government or VIP facility.
