Northern Railway and South East Central Railway have decided to operate special trains to manage the crowd during the Holi festival in 2026. These trains will run between Gondia Junction and Chhapra Junction to make travel easier for passengers. Officials stated that two pairs of special trains will make two trips each in the first week of March to assist people going home for the festival.
What is the Schedule for These Trains?
The railways have released the full timetable for these special services. Train number 08863 will leave Gondia on March 1, while train 08865 will depart on March 2. The return journeys from Chhapra will take place on March 3 and March 4 respectively. These trains include AC, Sleeper, and General coaches to suit different budgets.
| Train No. | Route | Departure Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08863 | Gondia to Chhapra | March 1, 2026 | 17:00 |
| 08864 | Chhapra to Gondia | March 3, 2026 | 04:45 |
| 08865 | Gondia to Chhapra | March 2, 2026 | 17:00 |
| 08866 | Chhapra to Gondia | March 4, 2026 | 04:45 |
Which Stations Will the Train Stop At?
These special trains will stop at major stations to help people from different cities board easily. The main stops include Durg Junction, Raipur Junction, Bhatapara, Uslapur, and Pendra Road. The train will also halt at Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Katni, Satna, Manikpur, and Varanasi. Passengers can book tickets from any of these stations through the IRCTC website or app.
What are the New Rules for Passengers?
The Railway Board has issued a new rule on February 8, 2026, regarding passenger identification. At least one person on a PNR must carry an original ID proof during the journey. The ticket prices for these trains will be slightly higher as they are special fare services. Passengers should also check the NTES app or call 139 to know if bedrolls are provided before they start their trip.
