Indian Railways launches Chhapra – Lucknow Vande Bharat special train for Holi rush

Patna: Indian Railways has announced a special Vande Bharat Express service between Lucknow and Chhapra to accommodate the surge in passengers traveling for Holi.

The train will run from 5 March to 17 March 2025, operating six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. Every year, trains heading to Bihar witness an overwhelming demand during the festival, often making it difficult for passengers to secure confirmed tickets.

To address this, the Railways has introduced the Holi-special Vande Bharat Express, which promises faster travel and improved amenities.

Train schedule and route

Train number 02270 will depart from Lucknow at 2:15 PM, reaching Chhapra at 9:30 PM. It will stop at Sultanpur (4:07 PM), Varanasi Junction (6:25 PM), Ghazipur City (7:35 PM), Ballia (8:25 PM), and Suremanpur (8:57 PM).

On the return journey, train number 02269 will leave Chhapra at 11:00 PM, arriving in Lucknow at 6:30 AM. It will halt at Suremanpur (11:37 PM), Ballia (12:07 AM), Ghazipur City (1:01 AM), Varanasi Junction (2:35 AM), and Sultanpur (4:50 AM).

Relief for passengers

The move is expected to ease the burden on regular services and offer a more comfortable alternative to those who struggle with long waiting lists or costly private transport options.

Ramesh Kumar, 38, a frequent traveler on the route, welcomed the decision. “Getting a confirmed ticket during Holi is always a challenge. This Vande Bharat special train is a welcome move and will definitely make the journey more comfortable,” he said.

The Railway Helpline (139) and the NTES (National Train Enquiry System) app will provide passengers with real-time updates on train schedules.

Additional staff will be deployed at stations to assist passengers, reinforcing the Railways’ commitment to managing festive season travel efficiently.