Holi 2026 Special Trains Announced: Extra Rail Services for Bihar, UP, Gujarat and Delhi Travelers

As the festival of colors approaches, travel demand across India is rising sharply, especially on routes connecting major migrant corridors. To manage the seasonal rush and improve ticket availability, Indian Railways has announced a series of special trains for Holi 2026. The additional services are aimed at easing passenger congestion and ensuring smoother journeys for those heading home to celebrate with family.

Every year before Holi, trains running toward states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Odisha and the national capital region of Delhi witness extremely high demand. Confirmed tickets become difficult to obtain weeks in advance. To address this, railway authorities have scheduled nine pairs of Holi Special trains (18 services) that will operate on selected dates between February 22 and March 30, 2026.

Why Special Trains Are Introduced During Holi

Holi is one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals, prompting millions of workers, students, and families to travel back to their hometowns. This surge places heavy pressure on regular train services, particularly long-distance routes linking metropolitan cities with eastern and northern states. Special trains are therefore introduced as temporary additions to increase seat capacity and reduce waiting lists.

Railway officials say the objective is to provide confirmed tickets to as many passengers as possible while maintaining smooth operations during peak travel weeks.

List of Major Holi Special Trains and Routes

Here are some of the key festival trains announced:

1. Puri–Patna Special (08439/08440)

This service will run between Puri and Patna via major junctions such as Kharagpur, Asansol, Jhajha, and Kiul.

• Departure: Every Saturday from February 28 to March 28

• Return: Every Sunday from March 1 to March 29

2. Udhna–Hasanpur Road Special (09031/09032)

Connecting western and northern regions, this train will travel through key stations including DDU, Pataliputra, Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, and Samastipur.

• Runs: Every Sunday from February 22 to March 29

• Return: Every Monday

3. Charlapalli–Raxaul Special (07005/07006)

This route will pass through important industrial and mining belts such as Ranchi, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Barauni, and Darbhanga before reaching Raxaul.

• Runs: On select dates in February and March

4. Gandhidham–Bhagalpur Special (09451/09452)

This service connects western India with eastern regions.

• Runs: Every Friday from March 6 to March 27

• Return: Every Monday

5. West Bengal–Delhi Festival Specials

Special trains will also operate between Dankuni–Anand Vihar and Malda–Anand Vihar on select dates during the first two weeks of March to accommodate heavy passenger traffic between eastern India and the capital.

6. Additional Eastern Corridor Services

Extra trains are also planned on routes such as Sealdah–Gorakhpur and Asansol–Gorakhpur to support travelers heading toward eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighboring regions.

Booking Tips for Travelers

Railway authorities advise passengers not to wait until the last moment to book tickets, as festival-season seats fill rapidly. Travelers can reserve tickets through the official portal of IRCTC or at authorized railway reservation counters. Early booking improves chances of securing confirmed berths, especially for long-distance journeys.

Passengers should also regularly check train schedules, as special services often operate only on specific dates rather than daily.

What This Means for Passengers

The introduction of these Holi Special trains is expected to significantly reduce waitlists, ease congestion on popular routes, and make travel more comfortable during one of the busiest seasons of the year. For migrant workers, students, and families planning to return home, the additional services provide a timely travel option.

Bottom Line:
With Holi 2026 approaching, Indian Railways has rolled out 18 special train services across high-demand routes to accommodate festive travelers. Those planning trips to northern and eastern states should book tickets early and confirm schedules to avoid last-minute hassles.