Indian Railways is gearing up for the upcoming Holi festival and wedding season in 2026. To manage the heavy rush of passengers, a formal proposal has been sent to the Railway Board to operate ‘clone trains’ on high-demand routes. This decision aims to help passengers traveling from Gujarat and Maharashtra to states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where regular trains already have long waiting lists.
The plan involves resuming trains that were cancelled during the winter due to fog and extending the services of existing special trains. Officials are focusing on routes that see the most pressure during festivals. The proposal specifically targets trains originating from Ahmedabad, Surat, and Gandhidham.
Routes and Resumption Dates for 2026
According to the latest updates, Western Railway and East Central Railway are preparing to resume services by late February 2026. It is important to note that due to redevelopment work at Surat station, the Surat-Chhapra train will originate from Udhna Junction.
| Train Name | Train Number | Resumption Date | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gandhidham–Bhagalpur | 09451 / 09452 | Feb 28, 2026 | Weekly |
| Ahmedabad–Darbhanga | 09465 / 09466 | Feb 28, 2026 | Weekly |
| Ahmedabad–Patna | 09447 / 09448 | March 5, 2026 | Weekly |
| Surat–Chhapra | 09065 / 09066 | Bookings Open | Weekly |
Ticket Prices and Booking Rules
Passengers should be aware that these clone trains usually operate under the ‘Special Fare’ category. This means the ticket prices can be approximately 1.1 to 1.3 times higher than regular base fares. The booking system often follows rules similar to Humsafar or Tatkal services.
Most of these special trains do not carry a pantry car, so travelers are advised to arrange food through E-Catering or carry their own meals. The proposal also suggests extending the operation of these trains until June 2026 to cover the summer vacation rush after the festival season ends.
