After a video of the first air-conditioned coupe on an Indian train decorated for newlyweds went viral and was dubbed ‘Suhagraat Express’ on social media, many users are wondering if passengers can actually book a private railway coach.
The answer is yes. Indian Railways allows passengers to book an entire coach – or even hire an entire train – through its Full Tariff Rate (FTR) booking facility, subject to operational feasibility and prescribed conditions.
How to book a private rail bus
– Register for FTR booking through official IRCTC FTR portal or contact IRCTC for assistance. The service allows passengers to book an entire coach or even an entire train, according to Indian Railways.
Read also | After newlywed couple decked out first coupe, railways suspend ticket checking, ask for investigation into ‘serious lapse’
-Send your trip details, including:
- Boarding and destination stations
- Travel history
- Preferred train (if booking a coach attached to a regular train)
- Route and stops (if any)
– Pay the required insurance amount.
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-Security deposit amount $Generally 50,000 is required per coach.
-Additional fare and operating fees must be paid before the trip.
-Booking within the allowed time frame.
Read also | ‘Suhagrat Express’: The first air-conditioned coupe decorated like a bedroom with flowers, balloons and fairy lights
-Registration is usually accepted between 30 days and six months before the trip.
– Requests submitted less than 30 days before the travel date require special approval.
Railways suspends ticket screening and requests investigation into “serious lapse”
The South Central Railway (SCR) has suspended the ticket checker concerned after allowing an unauthorized decorator to enter the First AC coach of the Nandigram Express to decorate a private coupe of a traveling couple.
The photos, recorded inside train No. 11002 Nandigram Express, show the special cabin decorated with balloons, flowers and thousands of rose petals, with the message “I love you” displayed on the wall.
The elaborate decoration gave the cabin the appearance of a honeymoon suite, attracting widespread attention online as the train continued its journey.
