Newlywed couple converts First AC Coupe of a train into ‘Honeymoon Suit’ for Suhag Raat by hiring a decoration firm, Railway suspends TTE and orders probe

A romantic surprise planned by a couple on board the Nandigram Express has sparked a major controversy after a video of their First AC coupe turned into a full-fledged honeymoon-style suite went viral across social media platforms. The incident, which took place on July 6, 2026, has led to swift action by railway authorities, including the suspension of the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) concerned and the ordering of a detailed departmental inquiry.

The 11002 Nandigram Express, running between Balharshah and Mumbai CSMT, was at Jalna station in Maharashtra when the unauthorised decoration took place. According to reports, the couple, who had booked the exclusive two-berth 1st AC coupe, had hired a local event styling service from Jalna. The decorators were allowed to board the train and transform the compartment with elaborate decorations while the train was stationary at the station. The couple had reportedly reached Jalna by road from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) to board the train.

The viral video shows the 1st AC coupe decked out in a highly romantic setup. Pink and white balloons hung from the ceiling, heart-shaped strings and curtains adorned the space, garlands of fresh flowers and floral arrangements were placed around, and thousands of red rose petals were scattered across the floor and bed, forming heart shapes. Fairy lights added a soft glow, and a prominent “LOVE YOU” sign with a heart was fixed on the wall. Small tea lights or candles were also visible in the frames, enhancing the intimate atmosphere. The clip originally surfaced with a question directed at Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw asking whether Indian Railways permits the use of First AC coaches for Suhag Raat.

While some netizens found the gesture sweet and creative, praising the couple for making their journey memorable in the privacy of the 1st AC coupe, others raised concerns over fire safety due to the candles, hygiene issues from the petals and flowers, and the question of allowing private decorators inside railway coaches without proper authorisation.

After the matter went public, Railway authorities took a firm view on the matter. The South Central Railway (SCR), under whose jurisdiction the incident falls, stated that the entry of the decorator into the coach was unauthorised and constituted a serious lapse in protocol. The SCR posted on X, “The decorator’s entry into the coach at Jalna station was unauthorized and is viewed as a serious lapse. The concerned staff member has been placed under suspension, and a detailed departmental inquiry has been ordered. Appropriate action will be taken based on the inquiry findings.”

“The TTE should not have allowed the firm to board the train,” said A Sridhar, Chief Public Relations Officer of South Central Railway.

They added that the contractor, who had carried out the decoration, has been “booked under the extant provisions of the Railway Act for unauthorized entry into the train, travelling without ticket and indulging in trespassing.”

The event styling firm reportedly claimed they were unaware that special permission was required and had decorated the cabin in advance as per the couple’s request.

Officials have clarified that while light, removable decorations for special occasions are sometimes seen in 1st AC coaches provided they follow safety norms and are properly cleaned afterwards, allowing unauthorised personnel to enter and set up elaborate arrangements breaches security and operational protocols. The Ministry of Railways and SCR have assured that further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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