Patna: Indian Railways has announced a series of special services linking western India with Bihar ahead of Holi, as thousands prepare to travel home for the festival.
In response to the seasonal surge in demand, additional trains will operate between Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat and key destinations across Bihar, including Danapur, Samastipur, Raxaul, Saharsa, Darbhanga and Patna. Railway officials said further services could be introduced if required.
Pune–Danapur services
Two pairs of special trains — 01481/01482 and 01449/01450 — will run between Pune and Danapur on selected dates between February 21 and March 10. The services will operate via Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Prayagraj Chheoki and Jabalpur, offering additional capacity for migrant workers and families travelling to Bihar for the festival.
Mumbai connections to Danapur and Samastipur
Special trains will also depart from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai to Danapur (01143/01144) and Samastipur (01043/01044). These trains will run through major junctions including Deen Dayal Upadhyay, Patliputra and Hajipur, providing relief to passengers travelling from Maharashtra to northern Bihar.
Services for Raxaul and Saharsa
Passengers from north Bihar will benefit from additional services between Raxaul and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (05557/05558), and between Saharsa and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (05585/05586). These trains are scheduled to run on notified dates to accommodate increased festive demand, particularly from the Seemanchal and Mithila regions.
Rajasthan–Bihar link
A special service between Sri Ganganagar and Samastipur (04731/04732) will operate from March 1 to March 31 via Gorakhpur and Hajipur. The train is expected to assist workers and students travelling from Rajasthan to Bihar during the festival period.
Ahmedabad services to north Bihar
Special trains will also continue to run between Ahmedabad and Darbhanga (09465/09466), and between Ahmedabad and Patna (09447/09448) until the end of March, operating as per their notified schedules and stoppages.
Saraswati Chandra, chief public relations officer of East Central Railway, said the additional trains had been introduced to manage the expected rush around Holi. “More special services may be announced depending on demand,” he said, advising passengers to check reservation status and updated timetables before travelling.
Full list of announced Holi special trains:
- 01481/01482 Pune–Danapur
- 01449/01450 Pune–Danapur
- 01143/01144 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Danapur
- 01043/01044 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Samastipur
- 05557/05558 Raxaul–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus
- 05585/05586 Saharsa–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus
- 04731/04732 Sri Ganganagar–Samastipur
- 09465/09466 Ahmedabad–Darbhanga
- 09447/09448 Ahmedabad–Patna
