Ranchi Witnesses Massive Festive Exodus Ahead of Holi Celebrations
The vibrant spirit of Holi has transformed Ranchi's major transportation hubs into bustling centers of activity as thousands of residents embark on their annual pilgrimage back to their native places in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The city's railway stations and bus terminals are experiencing unprecedented footfall as people prepare to celebrate the festival of colors with their families and loved ones.
Railway Stations Packed Throughout the Day
Ranchi's railway stations remain packed from morning until evening, with serpentine queues at ticket counters and platforms buzzing with excited travelers. While many passengers planned their journeys well in advance, last-minute travelers found themselves scrambling for seats amid near-complete occupancy on most long-distance trains departing from the city.
"I am planning to go home for the Holi celebrations, as I can only afford to go home once or twice a year during festivals," said Sumit Kumar, an e-rickshaw driver originally from Gaya, Bihar. "However, I am not yet able to get a train ticket and am not sure whether I will make it home in time."
Special Holi Trains Launched to Ease Travel
To accommodate the massive festive travel demand, the Ranchi railway division has introduced special Holi trains connecting the city with key destinations across North and East India. According to Ranchi railway division's Chief Public Relations Officer Shuchi Singh, these special services are specifically timed to facilitate smooth travel for Holi revelers.
"The 02877 Ranchi-Anand Vihar special train left Ranchi on February 28, and the next train will depart on March 7," Singh explained. "In the return direction, the 02878 Anand Vihar–Ranchi special train left Delhi on March 1, with the next service scheduled for March 8."
Additionally, the 02832 Bhubaneswar-Dhanbad Holi special train commenced operations on February 28 and will continue running until March 31 to accommodate the extended festive travel period.
High Demand for Key Routes
The festive rush has created extraordinary demand for outbound trains from Ranchi to Patna, with waiting lists reaching significant numbers. According to IRCTC's official website, the waiting list for the 12366 Ranchi-Patna Janshatabdi Express stands at 81 passengers, while the 22350 Ranchi-Patna Vande Bharat Express shows a waiting list of 40. Similarly, the 18624 Hatia-Islampur Express has a substantial waiting list of 94 passengers.
Bus Terminals Experience Similar Surge
The festive surge extends beyond railways to the city's bus terminals, where passenger footfall has increased dramatically over recent days. Long queues have formed for inter-state buses, particularly those bound for major destinations in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh including Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, and Prayagraj.
"Every year during Holi, there is a heavy rush of passengers going to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, as many people from these states work here," noted Mustaq Alam, a city-based travel agent. "This season, we have noticed an even more pronounced surge compared to previous years."
The annual migration highlights the deep cultural connections maintained by migrant workers and residents who return to their roots during major festivals, transforming Ranchi's transportation infrastructure into a temporary hub of celebration-bound travel.
