NewzVille Desk
To manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic, 1244 Holi Special Train Trips are being operated by Inian Railways across various Railway Zones during the Holi period from 25 February, 2026 to 18 March, 2026. The number of trips may increase up to 1500, if additional demand is observed.
These special services are connecting major cities, state capitals and important regional centres across the country, ensuring confirmed accommodation for passengers and significantly reducing congestion on regular trains.
Arrangements by Northern Railway
Northern Railway has made special arrangements at major stations in the Delhi area, particularly for passengers travelling to the eastern parts of the country to celebrate Holi. On Monday, 22 Special trains originated from major stations in the Delhi area.
On 01 March 2026, 22 special trains were operated and approximately 3.36 lakh outward passengers boarded from the Delhi area which is an increase of 18.07% compared to the corresponding date last year (11.03.2025, the third day before Holi).
In the last five days, around 14 lakh passengers have travelled from the Delhi area. Based on continuous monitoring of passenger rush at major stations, 22 special trains are also planned to run on 03.03.2026. Northern Railway officials are continuously monitoring the crowd situation at major stations in the Delhi area to ensure smooth and safe travel for passengers.
Facilities such as designated holding areas, help desk booths, catering stalls and additional ticket counters have been put in place to ensure convenient and hassle-free travel for passengers at Anand Vihar Terminal.
Arrangements by South Central Railway
South Central Railway also has facilitated extensive arrangements to effectively manage the heavy passenger rush during the Holi festival season, ensuring smooth, safe and hassle-free travel for passengers heading to their hometowns.
As part of these efforts, SCR has announced the operation of 195 special trains from the last week of February through March to cater to increased demand. Between 21st February and 2nd March 2026, the Zone operated 26 special trains from key originating stations such as Secunderabad, Charlapalli and Tirupati towards major destinations including Raxaul, Nizamuddin, Kollam, Danapur and Bhubaneswar.
During this period, more than 50,000 passengers travelled in these 26 special trains across both reserved and unreserved coaches. Notably, on 1st and 2nd March 2026 alone, nine special trains were operated, carrying approximately 15,000 passengers.
To handle the festive rush efficiently, SCR implemented a series of coordinated measures, including frequent announcements about special trains to avoid confusion, real-time train information through electronic display boards, and proper guidance and assistance to passengers at stations.
Publicity campaigns encouraged passengers to purchase tickets through Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and the Rail One App, while information was widely disseminated through print, electronic and social media platforms.
Adequate Railway Protection Force (RPF) and ticket checking staff were deployed, and continuous monitoring ensured punctual operation of special trains. Special emphasis was laid on effective crowd management to facilitate safe boarding and de-boarding, with RPF personnel stationed at foot over bridges, platforms, entry and exit gates, as well as onboard trains.
Arrangements by Western Railway
During the Holi festive period, Western Railway also recorded a total of 23,03,445 passengers over three days . On 27th February, 13,66,545 passengers travelled, followed by 4,51,604 passengers on 28th February and 4,85,296 passengers on 1st March.
Notably, on 1st March alone, around 20,000 passengers departed from Udhna station, reflecting the significant surge in festive travel and the effective management of passenger movement by Western Railway.
Keeping in view the heavy rush and intense heat during Holi, Western Railway undertook a special initiative at Udhna station by distributing nearly 3,000 packaged drinking water bottles, providing immediate relief to passengers.
Arrangements by North Western Railway
North Western Railway is operating a record number of special trains, along with enhanced crowd management at stations and 24/7 monitoring to ensure passenger safety and smooth movement. The objective is to make every homebound journey not only pleasant but completely hassle-free.
On this festive occasion, additional special train services have been arranged to make travel simple and comfortable, supported by strengthened security measures and continuous surveillance at stations. Reaffirming its commitment to service, NWR continues to prioritise safe, seamless and passenger-friendly travel throughout the Holi celebrations.
Arrangements by Eastern Railway
With dedicated supervision by RPF personnel of Eastern Railway, the festive rush at Howrah Railway Station was managed with utmost care, ensuring safety, order, and a smooth, hassle-free travel experience for all passengers.
Passengers who are travelling from Howrah to Samastipur appreciated the dedicated efforts of Eastern Railway staff, RPF personnel, and station officials for their assistance in boarding Holi Special trains and for managing the festive rush in a highly organised and seamless manner.
Arrangements by Eastern Central Railway
Embracing the festive spirit of Holi, Eastern Central Railway has prioritised safe, smooth, and comfortable travel for the increasing number of passengers during the festival. To facilitate passenger convenience, comprehensive arrangements have been made, including operation of special trains, augmentation of train services on key routes, and several other measures to ensure a hassle-free journey.
