Holi 2026: Railways Launches Record Number of Special Trains Across India

As Holi 2026 , falling on March 4, approaches, millions of people are rushing to return home to celebrate the festival with their loved ones. To meet this unprecedented demand, the Indian Railways has announced a record 1,410 Holi special trains across the country, ensuring smoother travel for passengers during this festive season.

Special Trains Primarily for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar Routes
The Railways has prioritized high-demand routes from major urban centers such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Gujarat to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These special trains will operate from February 28 to March 9, 2026, helping millions reach their hometowns safely.

Key Holi special trains include:

• Sogaria-Danapur-Sogaria Holi Special: Weekly service between February 28 and March 9, stopping at Prayagraj Chheoki, Mirzapur, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Junction, and Buxar.

• Rani Kamlapati-Danapur Special: Runs two trips, connecting Madhya Pradesh to Bihar, passing through Jabalpur, Satna, and Prayagraj Chheoki.

• Durg-Hazrat Nizamuddin-Durg Special: Runs from Delhi to Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh from March 1 to March 3, covering Mathura, Agra, Jhansi, and Sagar.

• Hapa-Naharlagun Train Extension: Extended services for passengers traveling from Gujarat to northeast India, with stops at Varanasi and Chhapra, easing the rush.

Railway Zones’ Preparations for Crowd Management

To handle the surge in passengers, various railway zones have made extensive arrangements:

• East Central Railway (ECR): Operating 285 special trains on heavily crowded routes in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

• Northern Railway (NR): Allocated 108 trains for passengers from Delhi and NCR, primarily departing from Anand Vihar and New Delhi stations.

• Western Railway (WR) & Central Railway (CR): Running 231 and 209 trains, respectively, for passengers traveling from Mumbai, Pune, and surrounding areas.

• South Central Railway (SCR): Operating 160 trains to ease travel from South India to northern states.

These measures are designed to provide additional capacity for passengers during the festival and to ensure safer and more organized travel.

Booking Status: Sleeper and AC Seats Are Filling Fast

Train bookings for Holi are highly competitive. Routes from New Delhi to Patna, Darbhanga, Jaynagar, and Ranchi are almost fully booked. Major trains like Punjab Mail, Mahakaushal Express, and others have waiting lists ranging from 90 to over 200 passengers.

For most travelers, booking Holi special trains is the safest and most practical option.

Tips for Passengers Traveling During Holi 2026

• Book Early: Secure your tickets in advance through the IRCTC website or app.

• Check Special Train Listings: Availability in the ‘Special Train’ category is updated frequently, as Railways often adds new trains at the last minute.

• Arrive Early at Stations: Ensure timely boarding and avoid last-minute rush.

• Verify Train Details: Check departure times, routes, and stops carefully to avoid confusion.

• Digital Payments: Use UPI or other digital options for bookings to ensure quick confirmation.

Why These Special Trains Are Essential

The 1,410 Holi special trains are not just numbers they are a massive effort by the Indian Railways to manage one of the highest travel demands of the year. By focusing on Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and major connecting routes, the Railways is helping millions of passengers travel safely and efficiently, ensuring they can celebrate Holi with their families without unnecessary stress.

With these arrangements, passengers traveling from Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, South India, and northeastern states will have more options, making this festive season easier, safer, and more enjoyable.