The festive rush for Holi is set to become a smoother journey as Indian Railways announces a massive deployment of 1410 special trains across the country. This initiative comes as a direct response to the overwhelming demand during the festival, particularly for routes connecting major cities to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
East Central Railway (ECR) is playing a pivotal role, operating 285 of these special services from March 1 to March 22, 2026. These trains aim to alleviate the chronic overcrowding and long waiting lists that plague regular services during peak festival seasons.
Key routes include the Kota (Sogaria) to Danapur special, numbered 09821, departing on February 28 and March 7 at 11:10 PM, arriving the next day at 11:45 PM via Katni, Prayagraj Chheoki, and DD Upadhyaya. Its return, 09822, leaves Danapur on March 2 and 9 at 1:15 AM, reaching Sogaria by early morning.
Another highlight is the Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal) to Danapur service, 01667, starting February 27 and March 2 at 2:25 PM, arriving next morning at 8:45 AM. Return trips on 01668 depart Danapur on February 28 and March 3 at 11:15 AM.
Long-haul connectivity shines with the Rani Kamalapati to Agartala train 01665, running every Thursday from March 5 at 3:20 PM, passing through DD Upadhyaya, Patliputra, and Hajipur to reach three days later at 6:55 PM. Return service 01666 operates Sundays from March 8.
From Gujarat’s Hapa to Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh via Bihar, train 09525 departs Wednesdays from March 4 at 12:40 AM, arriving three days later at 4:00 PM. Return 09526 runs Saturdays from March 7.
Railways urges passengers to book early and check live status via helpline 139 or NTES app. This fleet promises relief for millions heading home from Delhi, Mumbai, Kota, and Bhopal to celebrate Holi with family, ensuring safer and more comfortable travels.