What began as a romantic surprise inside a First AC coupe has now snowballed into a full-fledged Railway security controversy.

A viral video showing a flower-laden, bedroom-style setup inside the First AC coach of the 11002 Nandigram Express has prompted swift action from South Central Railway, with the decorator being booked under the Railway Act and the on-duty Ticket Checker (TC) suspended pending investigation.

The now-deleted clip, widely dubbed the “Suhagrat Express” on social media, featured a coupe transformed into a honeymoon suite complete with fresh flowers, balloons and fairy lights. The unusual décor quickly grabbed attention online, but also raised serious concerns over passenger safety and railway security.

According to South Central Railway, the decorations were arranged by a couple travelling on the train on July 6, who had privately hired an event decorator through an online service. Officials said the decorator boarded the train at Jalna railway station without authorisation, calling the incident a significant security lapse.

In an official statement posted on X, the Railway administration said the decorator’s entry into the coach at Jalna station was unauthorised and has been viewed as a serious breach of security. Authorities confirmed that the individual has been booked under relevant provisions of the Railway Act for unauthorised entry into the train, travelling without a valid ticket and trespassing.

The fallout did not stop there. The Railways has suspended the concerned Ticket Checker who was on duty and ordered a departmental inquiry to determine how the decorator managed to access the reserved First AC coach without being intercepted. Officials have said further disciplinary action will follow based on the findings of the investigation.

The original Instagram video posted by Jalna-based event service provider Rahat Room Decoration has since been removed. Users attempting to access the post now receive a message indicating that the page is no longer available.

The incident has triggered intense debate online. While many praised the Railways for acting quickly, others questioned how an unauthorised outsider could enter a premium reserved coach, carry decorative materials, complete the elaborate setup and leave without raising alarm. Critics argue the episode has exposed vulnerabilities in onboard security and station access protocols.

As the investigation continues, South Central Railway has reiterated that anyone found responsible for the lapse will face strict action, underscoring that passenger safety and security remain its highest priority.