Kolkata, February 28: In a festive boost for Holi travelers, North Eastern Railway (NER) has rolled out two special unreserved trains to ease the rush. With festival crowds surging, these one-way services aim to help passengers without confirmed bookings reach home comfortably.
NER officials confirmed that while several reserved special trains are already operational for Holi, these new unreserved options cater to last-minute needs. Both trains depart on March 1, 2026, prioritizing accessibility with general second-class coaches—no reservations required.
The first service, Train 03103 from Sealdah to Prayagraj, kicks off at 10:40 AM. It arrives in Prayagraj the next day at 1:00 PM, halting at key stations like Naihati, Bandel, Burdwan, Bolpur, Sahibganj, Bhagalpur, Patna, Ara, Buxar, and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction. This route proves ideal for passengers heading to Bihar, eastern UP, and especially Prayagraj’s sacred ghats.
Travelers can simply buy platform tickets or unreserved ones to board, making it hassle-free amid peak season demand. The second train, 03015 from Howrah to Delhi, starts at midnight on March 1, reaching the capital by 1:00 PM on March 2. Stops include Bandel, Asansol, Jasidih, Kiul, Muzaffarpur, Chhapra, Ballia, Ghazipur, Varanasi, Rae Bareli, Bareilly, and Moradabad.
This Delhi-bound express will benefit those traveling to northern cities for celebrations. NER highlighted its broader Holi efforts: 66 trips of special trains already running, plus 116 pairs from other zones originating or terminating on its network, and 94 more passing through. Thousands of extra berths ensure smoother journeys.
Authorities urge caution against overcrowding, emphasizing safety and cooperation with ticket checks. Millions of workers, students, and families stand to gain, with potential for more trains if demand spikes. This initiative underscores railway’s commitment to festive connectivity.