In a major initiative to accommodate the massive surge in travel demand during the Holi festival, Indian Railways has announced plans to operate more than 1,410 Holi Special trains in 2026. This strategic move aims to ensure smooth, comfortable, and efficient connectivity for passengers across the country, with the national transporter indicating that the number could potentially increase to as many as 1,500 services.
Expanding Services to Meet Festive Demand
The Ministry of Railways has stated that these special trains are specifically designed to address the heightened passenger traffic expected in March 2026. This represents a significant increase compared to the 1,144 special train trips operated for Holi in 2025, reflecting the railways' proactive approach to festive logistics. The services will connect major destinations, facilitating travel for millions celebrating the festival of colors.
Zone-Wise Distribution of Holi Special Trains
The East Central Railway (ECR) leads the deployment with 285 special trains, followed closely by the Western Railway (WR) with 231 services. Other key zones include:
- Central Railway (CR): 209 trains
- Northern Railway (NR): 108 trains
- North Western Railway (NWR): 71 trains
- North Central Railway (NCR): 66 trains
- North Eastern Railway (NER) and East Coast Railway (ECOR): 62 trains each
- South Western Railway (SWR): 47 trains
- West Central Railway (WCR): 43 trains
- Southern Railway (SR): 39 trains
- South East Central Railway (SECR): 15 trains
- Konkan Railway (KR): 9 trains
- Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR): 2 trains
This comprehensive allocation ensures coverage across diverse regions, catering to both high-density and remote areas.
Key Routes and Operational Details
Among the notable services, the East Central Railway will operate several important Holi Special trains, including:
- Train No. 09821/09822 Sogaria-Danapur-Sogaria Special: Operating via Katni, Prayagraj Chhivki, DDU, Buxar, and Ara, with departures from Sogaria on February 28 and March 7, 2026, and return trips from Danapur on March 2 and March 9, 2026.
- Train No. 01667/01668 Rani Kamalapati-Danapur-Rani Kamalapati Special: Running via Itarsi, Jabalpur, Prayagraj Chhivki, DDU, and Ara, with services from Rani Kamalapati on February 27 and March 2, 2026, and returns from Danapur on February 28 and March 3, 2026.
- Train No. 01665/01666 Rani Kamalapati-Agartala-Rani Kamalapati Special: Connecting via DDU, Danapur, Patliputra, Hajipur, Barauni, and Katihar, with weekly operations starting March 5, 2026, from Rani Kamalapati and March 8, 2026, from Agartala.
- Train No. 09525/09526 Hapa-Naharlagun-Hapa Special: Traversing Varanasi, Ballia, Chhapra, Hajipur, Barauni, and Katihar, with weekly services from Hapa starting March 4, 2026, and from Naharlagun starting March 7, 2026.
North Western Railway Extensions
The North Western Railway has also extended the operation periods for multiple weekly special train services to accommodate Holi travelers. Key extensions include:
- Bikaner-Sainagar Shirdi-Bikaner Weekly Special (04715/04716): Extended from March 7 to March 28, 2026, from Bikaner, and March 8 to March 29, 2026, from Sainagar Shirdi.
- Hisar-Khadki-Hisar Weekly Special (04725/04726): Extended from March 1 to March 29, 2026, from Hisar, and March 2 to March 30, 2026, from Khadki.
- Hisar-Valsad-Hisar Weekly Special (04727/04728): Extended from March 4 to March 25, 2026, from Hisar, and March 5 to March 26, 2026, from Valsad.
- Bhagat Ki Kothi-Bandra Terminus-Bhagat Ki Kothi Weekly Special (04827/04828): Extended from March 7 to March 28, 2026, from Bhagat Ki Kothi, and March 8 to March 29, 2026, from Bandra Terminus.
- Ajmer-Bandra Terminus-Ajmer Special (09621/09622): Extended from March 1 to March 29, 2026, from Ajmer, and March 2 to March 30, 2026, from Bandra Terminus.
- Ajmer-Daund-Ajmer Special (09625/09626): Extended from March 5 to March 26, 2026, from Ajmer, and March 6 to March 27, 2026, from Daund.
- Ajmer-Solapur-Ajmer Special (09627/09628): Extended from March 4 to March 25, 2026, from Ajmer, and March 5 to March 26, 2026, from Solapur.
These extensive arrangements underscore Indian Railways' commitment to enhancing passenger experience during peak festive seasons, ensuring that travelers can reunite with family and friends for Holi celebrations without the usual hassles associated with holiday travel.
