Northern Railway has announced a major relief for passengers planning to travel home for the Holi festival in 2026. The railway administration confirmed the operation of 7 special trains to manage the heavy festive rush. These trains will originate from Amritsar, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and Firozpur, connecting major destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This move comes as a response to the long waiting lists observed on regular trains like the Himgiri and Amrapali Express.
Complete Schedule of Holi Special Trains
The new special trains are designed to assist migrant workers and families traveling to cities like Varanasi, Katihar, Mansi, and Danapur. Officials have released a detailed timetable for these services. Passengers are advised to check the exact dates before booking their tickets.
| Route | Train Number | Departure Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Amritsar – Katihar | 04614/04613 | Feb 25, March 1, March 5 |
| Amritsar – Mansi | 04610 | Feb 24, Feb 28, March 4 |
| Amritsar – Badhni | 05006/05005 | March 5, 12, 19, 26 |
| Katra – New Delhi | 04081/04082 | Daily (Feb 22 – March 9) |
| Katra – Varanasi | 04604/04603 | Feb 22, 26, March 2, 8 |
| Firozpur – Danapur | 04616/04615 | Feb 26, March 2, March 6 |
Booking Rules and Fare Details
Most of these trains will operate under the ‘Special Fare’ category, which means tickets might cost slightly more than regular express trains. Sanjeev Kumar, DRM of Firozpur Division, has appealed to passengers to maintain patience and follow safety norms. Travelers can book their confirmed berths through the IRCTC website or mobile app. For unreserved travel, tickets are available via the UTS app.
Northern Railway officials also noted that the frequency of the Amritsar–Jaynagar Clone Express has been increased to support the crowd. Passengers should keep an eye on the NTES app for live status updates, as schedules can change based on operational requirements.
