Patna: As the Holi festival approaches, train stations across eastern India are preparing for the annual surge in passenger traffic. In an effort to ease congestion and provide relief to travellers heading home for celebrations, Indian Railways has announced two special Holi train services for residents of the Kosi, Seemanchal and Mithila regions. The temporary services are expected to improve accessibility and reduce pressure on regular routes during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The first special service will run between Dibrugarh in Assam and Jhanjharpur in Bihar, offering a direct connection that many passengers in the region have long demanded. Train number 05974 will operate every Tuesday from February 17 to March 31, departing Dibrugarh at 5: 20 a.m. and arriving in Jhanjharpur at 11:30 a.m. the following day. Along the route, the train will stop at major stations including Guwahati, Siliguri, Forbesganj, Lalitgram, Raghopur, Saraigarh and Nirmali, linking several key towns in eastern India.
The return service, train number 05973, will run every Wednesday from February 18 to April 1, leaving Jhanjharpur at 1 p.m. and reaching Dibrugarh at 8:20 p.m. the next day. Railway officials say the route marks a significant step for the Kosi region, which will, for the first time, gain a direct rail connection with Assam — a move likely to benefit migrant workers, students and families travelling during the holiday period.
A second festival special has also been announced between Katihar and Amritsar. Train number 05736 will operate every Wednesday from February 18 to March 25, departing Katihar at 9 p.m. and arriving in Amritsar at 9:45 a.m. on Friday. The return journey, train number 05735, will leave Amritsar every Friday from February 20 to March 27 at 1:25 p.m. and reach Katihar late Saturday night at 11:45 p.m. Railway authorities have said these additional services are part of broader efforts to manage seasonal travel demand and improve passenger convenience during Holi.
