Indian Railways has transported millions of passengers across the country for the Holi festival through extensive planning, special train operations and coordinated crowd management across Railway Zones, ensuring safe and comfortable travel during the peak festive rush.
Between February 25 and March 18, 2026, a total of 1244 Holi Special train trips are being operated across various zones, with the number expected to rise to 1500 if additional demand emerges. These services are connecting major cities, state capitals and key regional centres, significantly easing congestion on regular trains and ensuring confirmed accommodation for passengers travelling home.
Northern Railway reported that approximately 3.36 lakh outward passengers departed from the Delhi area on March 1, 2026, an increase of 18.07 percent compared to the corresponding date last year. On that day alone, 22 special trains originated from major stations in the Delhi area. Over the last five days, around 14 lakh passengers travelled from the Delhi area. Another 22 special trains are planned for March 3, 2026, as officials continue to monitor passenger flows at major stations.
At Anand Vihar Terminal, designated holding areas, help desks, catering stalls and additional ticket counters were set up to ensure regulated passenger movement. Continuous monitoring and real time coordination helped maintain orderly operations. Feedback received through social media platforms of zonal railways indicated high levels of passenger satisfaction with the arrangements.
South Central Railway announced the operation of 195 special trains from the last week of February through March to manage increased demand. Between February 21 and March 2, 2026, 26 special trains were operated from key originating stations including Secunderabad, Charlapalli and Tirupati to destinations such as Raxaul, Nizamuddin, Kollam, Danapur and Bhubaneswar. More than 50,000 passengers travelled on these 26 trains. On March 1 and 2 alone, nine special trains carried approximately 15,000 passengers.
South Central Railway implemented coordinated measures including frequent public announcements, real time train information through electronic display boards, and promotion of ticket purchases through Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and the Rail One App. Adequate Railway Protection Force personnel and ticket checking staff were deployed at platforms, foot over bridges, entry and exit gates and onboard trains to ensure safe boarding and de boarding.
Western Railway recorded 23,03,445 passengers over three days. On February 27, 13,66,545 passengers travelled, followed by 4,51,604 on February 28 and 4,85,296 on March 1. Around 20,000 passengers departed from Udhna station on March 1 alone. In response to intense heat and heavy rush, Western Railway distributed nearly 3,000 packaged drinking water bottles at Udhna station, an initiative appreciated by passengers.
Central Railway implemented dedicated crowd management measures and organised queue systems at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Passengers acknowledged safe boarding arrangements and clear guidance that made their journeys smooth and stress free.
North Western Railway operated a record number of special trains and strengthened security measures with round the clock monitoring to ensure seamless travel. Enhanced surveillance and on ground supervision were maintained throughout the Holi period.
At Howrah Railway Station, Eastern Railway managed the festive rush with disciplined coordination and supervision by Railway Protection Force personnel. Passengers travelling from Howrah to Samastipur appreciated the organised handling of Holi Special trains and assistance provided by staff.
East Central Railway also prioritised safe and smooth travel by operating special trains and augmenting services on key routes. Holi Special trains are providing confirmed seats to working professionals, students, daily wage earners and families travelling to their hometowns, reducing dependence on regular services and enabling timely reunions.
Across zones, comprehensive measures including creation of dedicated holding areas, deployment of Automatic Ticket Vending Machines, distribution of bottled drinking water, establishment of dedicated war rooms for real time monitoring and round the clock staff presence have enabled smooth handling of the festive rush.
Indian Railways continues to monitor passenger demand closely and remains committed to ensuring safe, efficient and passenger friendly travel during peak festive seasons.
