To manage the massive passenger rush during the Holi festival 2026, Indian Railways has announced the operation of 1,410 holi Special Trains across the country. Out of these, 285 special trains will run specifically on high-demand bihar and Uttar Pradesh routes, providing major relief to passengers heading home for the festival.
1. Big Relief for holi Travelers
Holi is one of the busiest travel periods in India, especially for people working in metro cities who return to their hometowns. Keeping this in mind, indian Railways has taken a proactive step to:
Reduce overcrowding in regular trains
Ensure smooth and safe travel
Provide confirmed seats to passengers
The decision aims to make Holi travel comfortable and hassle-free.
2. Total Number of holi Special Trains
Total Special Trains: 1,410
Special Focus Routes: bihar and Uttar Pradesh
Number of Trains for Bihar–UP: 285
These trains will operate before and after Holi, covering peak travel days.
3. Why bihar and Uttar Pradesh Get Maximum Trains
Large migrant population from Bihar and UP
High travel demand from cities like:
Delhi
Mumbai
Surat
Ahmedabad
Punjab and Haryana
Every year, these routes witness extreme ticket demand and long waiting lists during Holi.
4. Major Routes Covered by holi Special Trains
The special trains will connect major cities including:
Delhi – patna – Darbhanga – Muzaffarpur
Mumbai – varanasi – Gorakhpur – Chhapra
Kolkata – Gaya – Danapur
Ahmedabad / surat – UP & bihar cities
Both long-distance and short-distance routes will be covered.
5. Ticket Booking and Reservation Details
Tickets will be available through:
IRCTC website and mobile app
Railway reservation counters
Normal express train fares will apply
Advance booking is advised due to heavy demand
Passengers are encouraged to book early to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
6. Additional Measures by indian Railways
Apart from running special trains, Railways has also planned:
Extra coaches in regular trains
Crowd management at major stations
Special monitoring of high-footfall routes
Increased on-ground staff during peak days
These steps aim to ensure safe, orderly, and comfortable travel.
7. Advice for Passengers
Book tickets as early as possible
Check train schedules regularly on IRCTC
Avoid traveling without confirmed tickets
Reach stations early during peak travel days
8. Conclusion
The decision to run 1,410 holi Special Trains in 2026, including 285 trains for Bihar–UP routes, reflects indian Railways’ commitment to passenger convenience. This large-scale arrangement is expected to significantly ease congestion and help millions of people celebrate holi with their families.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel