Railways Roll Out Special Holi Trains to Ease Festive Travel Rush
With Holi just around the corner, Indian Railways has taken proactive steps to accommodate the expected surge in passenger traffic by launching a pair of special trains. These trains will connect Bhubaneswar and Dhanbad via Ranchi, providing much-needed relief for travelers during the festive season. Holi is set to be celebrated on March 3 and 4 this year, prompting the railways to enhance connectivity.
Special Train Details and Schedule
According to an official statement from the Ranchi railway division, special train numbers 02832 and 02831 have been introduced for the Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad–Bhubaneswar route via Ranchi. Train number 02832, operating from Bhubaneswar to Dhanbad, will run from February 28 to March 31. Conversely, train number 02831, traveling from Dhanbad to Bhubaneswar, will be in service from March 1 to April 1. Bookings for these special trains are already open, allowing passengers to secure their seats in advance.
Booking Trends and Demand Analysis
As of Monday evening, the IRCTC e-ticketing portal revealed significant demand for the Dhanbad-bound special train. The waiting list stood at 69 in Sleeper Class, 41 in 3AC, and 13 in 2AC, indicating a high level of interest. Tickets for subsequent trips are also being snapped up quickly, reflecting the festive rush. In contrast, several other train services connecting Ranchi with Bihar, such as the Ranchi Janshatabdi, Vande Bharat Express, Patliputra Express, and Islampur–Hatia Express, have not yet experienced heavy bookings, with seats still available.
Similarly, trains linking Uttar Pradesh, including the Banaras–Ranchi Express and Vande Bharat Express, are yet to see a surge in reservations. However, buses bound for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh from Ranchi are witnessing a steady rise in demand as Holi approaches. Mustaq Alam, a travel agent based in the city, noted that enquiries have increased significantly, highlighting the growing preference for road travel in some segments.
Airfare Surge and Alternative Travel Options
While rail and bus options are seeing varied demand, airfares are expected to rise sharply during the festive period. On March 3, the day of Holi, ticket prices for flights between Ranchi and Patna are hovering around Rs 14,000. Similarly, fares for Ranchi-bound flights from cities in Uttar Pradesh currently range between Rs 12,000 and Rs 15,000. This spike in airfare underscores the overall increase in travel costs during holidays, making the newly introduced special trains a more economical choice for many passengers.
The introduction of these special trains is part of a broader effort by Indian Railways to manage festive crowds efficiently. By providing additional capacity on key routes, the railways aim to ensure smoother travel experiences for celebrants heading home or to destinations for Holi festivities. Passengers are advised to book their tickets early to avoid last-minute hassles and take advantage of the available services.
