South East Central Railway (SECR) has brought a major relief for passengers planning to travel home during the upcoming Holi festival. To manage the heavy rush of passengers during the festive season, the railway administration has decided to run several special trains. These trains will operate between late February and early March 2026, connecting major stations in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra to destinations in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Delhi. This move aims to ensure a comfortable journey for families and reduce the waitlist pressure on regular trains.
What is the schedule for SECR Holi Special Trains?
The railway authorities have released a detailed list of special trains that will run during the peak dates of the festival. These trains cover important routes including Durg to Madhubani, Bilaspur to Charlapalli, and Gondia to Patna. Since there are multiple services scheduled, passengers should check the departure dates and timings carefully before booking.
| Train No. | Route | Departure Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08753 | Durg to Madhubani | March 1, 2026 | 00:30 |
| 08754 | Madhubani to Durg | March 2, 2026 | 06:15 |
| 08263 | Bilaspur to Charlapalli | February 27, 2026 | 08:15 |
| 08264 | Charlapalli to Bilaspur | February 28, 2026 | 05:00 |
| 08863 | Gondia to Chhapra | March 1, 2026 | 08:15 |
| 08864 | Chhapra to Gondia | March 3, 2026 | 05:00 |
| 08751 | Durg to Nizamuddin | March 1 & 2, 2026 | 10:45 |
| 08752 | Nizamuddin to Durg | March 2 & 3, 2026 | 12:30 |
| 08865 | Gondia to Chhapra | March 2, 2026 | 17:00 |
| 08866 | Chhapra to Gondia | March 3, 2026 | 04:45 |
| 08861 | Gondia to Patna | March 2, 2026 | 11:00 |
| 08862 | Patna to Gondia | March 3, 2026 | 17:15 |
Important rules and booking details for passengers
Passengers must note that these services are categorized as ‘Special Trains’, which usually carry a different fare structure compared to regular mail or express trains. The ticket prices are approximately 30% higher than normal rates. Indian Railways has opened the booking for these trains on the IRCTC website and at computerized reservation counters.
Most of these trains are fully reserved services, meaning you must have a confirmed ticket to board. If you find yourself on a waiting list, railway officials suggest opting for the ‘Vikalp’ scheme. This option allows the system to automatically allocate a berth in an alternate train on the same route if seats are available, increasing your chances of getting a confirmed seat during the busy holiday season.
