Indian Railways has announced a special train service between Valsad and Danapur to manage the passenger rush during Holi 2026. This initiative is part of a larger plan by the Railway Board to introduce a record number of special services this festive season. The Valsad – Danapur Special (09025/09026) will provide much-needed relief to travelers seeking confirmed berths for their journey home.
What are the Details of the Valsad – Danapur Holi Special Train?
The Valsad – Danapur Special train (09025/09026) will operate weekly with a total of six trips in each direction. This service is designed to connect high-demand regions between Gujarat and Bihar during the festive period. Here are the key details:
- Train Numbers: 09025 (Valsad to Danapur) and 09026 (Danapur to Valsad)
- Frequency: Weekly
- 09025 from Valsad: Every Monday, from February 23, 2026, to March 30, 2026. Departure is at 08:40 AM, arriving in Danapur at 12:00 PM the next day.
- 09026 from Danapur: Every Tuesday, from February 24, 2026, to March 31, 2026. Departure is at 02:30 PM, arriving in Valsad at 09:30 PM the next day.
- Coach Composition: The train will have 1 AC 2-Tier, 3 AC 3-Tier, 12 Sleeper (SL), 4 General (GS), and 2 SLR coaches.
- Key Stoppages: Bhestan, Vyara, Nandurbar, Dharangaon, Jalgaon Jn, Bhusaval Jn, Khandwa, Itarsi Jn, Madan Mahal, Katni, Satna, Manikpur Jn, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt. DD Upadhyaya Jn (DDU), Buxar, and Ara.
How Much Will Tickets Cost and When Can You Book?
Tickets for the Valsad – Danapur Holi Special train are available for booking. These trains are categorized as “Special Fare Specials,” which means their fares are typically higher than regular mail or express train tickets, usually ranging from 1.1 to 1.3 times the standard price. Passengers are advised to book early as these trains fill up quickly.
- Estimated Fares: Sleeper (SL) will cost approximately ₹750 – ₹845, AC 3-Tier (3A) will be around ₹1,895 – ₹2,155, and AC 2-Tier (2A) is estimated at ₹2,695.
- Booking Channels: Tickets can be booked through the IRCTC website, mobile app, or at PRS counters.
- Booking Start Date: Major booking windows for Holi special services, including this one, opened on February 18, 2026.
- Unreserved Coaches: For General (GS) coaches, tickets can be purchased via the UTS system closer to the departure time.
What Are the Latest Updates on Holi Special Services?
Indian Railways is making extensive preparations for the Holi 2026 festive rush. There is a significant increase in the number of special trains compared to previous years to ensure more people can travel comfortably. Railway officials have also shared statements regarding these arrangements.
- Increased Services: Indian Railways plans to run between 1,410 and 1,500 special train trips nationwide for Holi 2026. This marks a 23–25% increase over the services provided in 2025.
- Zonal Contribution: The East Central Railway (ECR) leads with 285 services, followed by Western Railway with 231, and Central Railway operating 209 special trains.
- Official Statements: Shri Vineet Abhishek, CPRO of Western Railway, stated that these services connect high-demand areas from Mumbai and Gujarat to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Dr. Swapnil Nila, CPRO of Central Railway, mentioned that bookings are monitored to add more coaches or “clone trains” if necessary. The Railway Board has also directed zones to set up “Passenger Holding Areas” at major junctions to manage large crowds safely.
- Peak Travel Window: The highest passenger demand is anticipated between February 28 and March 10, 2026, as Holi falls on March 4, 2026.
