Nandigram Express Honeymoon Decor Row: Railway Suspends CTI, Probes Unauthorized Coach Access
Nandigram Express Honeymoon Decor Row: Railway Suspends CTI, Probes Unauthorized Coach Access
Mumbai, July 9, 2026: The Indian Railways has suspended a Chief Ticket Inspector (CTI) and ordered a detailed investigation after a video showing an AC First Class berth decorated for a honeymoon aboard the Nandigram Express went viral on social media.
The action follows an inquiry that found violations of railway security and operational rules. Girish Kumar, the Chief Ticket Inspector (CTI) posted in Nanded and on duty at the time of the incident, has been suspended pending further investigation.
According to railway officials, the incident took place in Train No. 11002 Ballarshah–Mumbai Nandigram Express, where berths 19 and 20 in the AC First Class coach were decorated with flowers and heart-shaped balloons for a newly married couple, identified as Shubham and Sonali.
Preliminary findings revealed that the decoration was carried out by a decorator from Jalna after receiving an online booking. The decorator reportedly boarded the reserved AC First Class coach at Jalna station and decorated the berths without obtaining prior permission from the Railways.
Railway authorities said the incident represents a serious security lapse, as no outsider is permitted to enter a reserved AC coach without official authorization. Officials clarified that individuals or decorators cannot decorate railway coaches for private events without prior approval, and any such activity must comply with established railway regulations.
Railway Issues Statement
Indian Railways issues a statement on the viral video purportedly showing an Indian Railways First AC cabin heavily decorated with balloons and flowers.
It says, “A couple travelling in Train No 11002 Nandigram Express on 6/7/26 had privately engaged a decorator online to decorate their 1st AC coupe. The decorator’s entry into the coach at Jalna station was unauthorised 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.”
“Further, the decorator has been booked under the extant provisions of the Railway Act for unauthorised entry into the train, travelling without a ticket and indulging in trespassing.”
The Railways is now investigating how the decorator was allowed to access the coach and whether any other railway personnel were involved. Officials have stated that strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for facilitating the unauthorized entry or violating railway rules.
