Indian Railways permits passengers to reserve an entire train or coach for events including weddings, tours and group journeys via its Full Tariff Rate service. Many travelers remain unaware of the procedure. A recent video of a decorated AC compartment on the Nandigram Express circulated widely online. Such decorations are not allowed under standard booking and prompted an official inquiry. A South Central Railway spokesperson explained that dedicated coaches or trains must follow a separate FTR process. The viral case involved only a normal two-berth First AC booking that was privately decorated without permission. Staff involved faced suspension and an inquiry. The decorator was charged under railway laws for unauthorized access. FTR bookings can be made online up to six months ahead but no less than 30 days before travel. A maximum of two coaches per train or up to 24 coaches for a full train is allowed, with a minimum of 18 coaches required. A security deposit of 50,000 rupees per coach must be paid, or nine lakh rupees for a full train. Payment rules specify full amounts via approved methods and set timelines for refunds of excess sums.
