Holi 2026: Indian Railways Adds 1,244 Special Trains

Indian Railways is launching an extensive network of 1,244 special train services to accommodate the high travel demand expected for Holi 2026. These services are scheduled to operate between February 25 and March 18, 2026, with the primary goal of alleviating passenger congestion and ensuring a more comfortable travel experience during the peak festive season.

Further flexibility is built into the plan, with the potential to increase the total number of special trips to approximately 1,500 should demand escalate. These additional services are strategically designed to connect major urban centers with regional hubs and key festival destinations across all railway zones.

Key long-distance routes are being reinforced, including connections from Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur to cities like Danapur, Gorakhpur, and Samastipur. The Eastern corridor will see increased services connecting Howrah, Sealdah, and Kolkata with destinations such as Raxaul and Madhubani. Southern regions will also benefit from enhanced links to North and East India.

The initiative addresses the significant travel rush typically experienced during Holi, a period when regular train services often face overbooking weeks in advance. By introducing these special trains, Indian Railways seeks to provide confirmed reservations, reduce travel uncertainty, and ensure smoother transit for passengers heading home or to festive gatherings.