Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways Sends Millions Home for Holi; 14 Lakh Passengers Travelled in Last Five Days through Northern Railways; 3.36 Lakh Departures From Delhi on March 1
Western Railway Facilitates Over 23 Lakh Passengers During Holi Rush; 20,000 Depart from Udhna on March 1
Special Trains Ensuring Comfortable, Safe and Timely Travel
ATVMs, Dedicated Holding Areas and Bottled Water Distribution Enhance Festive Travel Experience Across Railway Zones
From Safety to On-Ground Support: Railways’ Holi Arrangements Earn Public Appreciation
Posted On:
02 MAR 2026 7:53PM by PIB Delhi
Indian Railways has ensured that passengers across the country are able to travel home for the Holi festival with ease and comfort through meticulous planning and coordinated execution across all Railway Zones.
Northern Railway has made elaborate arrangements at major stations in the Delhi area, particularly for passengers travelling to the eastern parts of the country to celebrate Holi. Today, 22 Special trains originated from major stations in the Delhi area. On 01.03.2026, 22 special trains were operated and approximately 3.36 lakh outward passengers boarded from the Delhi area which is an increase of 18.07% compared to the corresponding date last year (11.03.2025, the third day before Holi).
In the last five days, around 14 lakh passengers have travelled from the Delhi area. Based on continuous monitoring of passenger rush at major stations, 22 special trains are also planned to run on 03.03.2026. Northern Railway officials are continuously monitoring the crowd situation at major stations in the Delhi area to ensure smooth and safe travel for passengers.
Feedback received through social media platforms of Zonal Railways indicates high levels of passenger satisfaction with the arrangements.
At Northern Railway, the special arrangements made at Anand Vihar Terminal railway station reflect smooth and well-regulated passenger movement during the festive rush ahead of Holi.
Facilities such as designated holding areas, help desk booths, catering stalls and additional ticket counters have been put in place to ensure convenient and hassle-free travel for passengers at Anand Vihar Terminal.
South Central Railway has put in place extensive arrangements to effectively manage the heavy passenger rush during the Holi festival season, ensuring smooth, safe and hassle-free travel for passengers heading to their hometowns. As part of these efforts, SCR has announced the operation of 195 special trains from the last week of February through March to cater to increased demand. Between 21st February and 2nd March 2026, the Zone operated 26 special trains from key originating stations such as Secunderabad, Charlapalli and Tirupati towards major destinations including Raxaul, Nizamuddin, Kollam, Danapur and Bhubaneswar. During this period, more than 50,000 passengers travelled in these 26 special trains across both reserved and unreserved coaches. Notably, on 1st and 2nd March 2026 alone, nine special trains were operated, carrying approximately 15,000 passengers.
To handle the festive rush efficiently, SCR implemented a series of coordinated measures, including frequent announcements about special trains to avoid confusion, real-time train information through electronic display boards, and proper guidance and assistance to passengers at stations. Publicity campaigns encouraged passengers to purchase tickets through Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and the Rail One App, while information was widely disseminated through print, electronic and social media platforms. Adequate Railway Protection Force (RPF) and ticket checking staff were deployed, and continuous monitoring ensured punctual operation of special trains. Special emphasis was laid on effective crowd management to facilitate safe boarding and de-boarding, with RPF personnel stationed at foot over bridges, platforms, entry and exit gates, as well as onboard trains.
Amid the heightened travel demand during the Holi festive period, Western Railway recorded a total of 23,03,445 passengers over three days. On 27th February, 13,66,545 passengers travelled, followed by 4,51,604 passengers on 28th February and 4,85,296 passengers on 1st March. Notably, on 1st March alone, around 20,000 passengers departed from Udhna station, reflecting the significant surge in festive travel and the effective management of passenger movement by Western Railway.
Keeping in view the heavy rush and intense heat during Holi, Western Railway undertook a special initiative at Udhna station by distributing nearly 3,000 packaged drinking water bottles, providing immediate relief to passengers. This thoughtful and humane gesture made travel more comfortable, with passengers expressing appreciation for the proactive and service-oriented approach of Western Railway.
Passengers appreciated the special preparedness and systematic crowd management undertaken by Central Railway during Holi, stating that safe boarding arrangements and clear guidance made their journey smooth and stress-free, providing significant relief during the festive rush.
In view of the increased passenger turnout, dedicated crowd management measures and well-organised queue systems were implemented at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, reaffirming Central Railway’s priority of ensuring a safe, convenient and comfortable journey for every passenger.
North Western Railway is operating a record number of special trains, along with enhanced crowd management at stations and 24/7 monitoring to ensure passenger safety and smooth movement. The objective is to make every homebound journey not only pleasant but completely hassle-free.
On this festive occasion, additional special train services have been arranged to make travel simple and comfortable, supported by strengthened security measures and continuous surveillance at stations. Reaffirming its commitment to service, North Western Railway continues to prioritise safe, seamless and passenger-friendly travel throughout the Holi celebrations.
Through disciplined coordination and dedicated supervision by RPF personnel of Eastern Railway, the festive rush at Howrah Railway Station was managed with utmost care, ensuring safety, order, and a smooth, hassle-free travel experience for all passengers.
Passengers travelling from Howrah to Samastipur appreciated the dedicated efforts of Eastern Railway staff, RPF personnel, and station officials for their assistance in boarding Holi Special trains and for managing the festive rush in a highly organised and seamless manner.
Embracing the festive spirit of Holi, East Central Railway has prioritised safe, smooth, and comfortable travel for the increasing number of passengers during the festival. To facilitate passenger convenience, comprehensive arrangements have been made, including operation of special trains, augmentation of train services on key routes, and several other measures to ensure a hassle-free journey.
Holi Special trains are providing confirmed seats to common passengers travelling back to their hometowns, including working professionals, students, daily wage earners etc. By increasing connectivity and reducing dependence on regular services, these special trains are ensuring a stress-free and timely journey home for families celebrating the festival together.
To manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic, 1244 Holi Special train trips are being operated across various Railway Zones during the Holi period from 25.02.2026 to 18.03.2026. The number of trips may increase up to 1500, if additional demand is observed.
These special services are connecting major cities, state capitals and important regional centres across the country, ensuring confirmed accommodation for passengers and significantly reducing congestion on regular trains.
Comprehensive crowd management measures, creation of dedicated holding areas, deployment of ATVMs, distribution of bottled drinking water, establishment of dedicated war rooms for real-time monitoring, and round-the-clock staff presence have collectively enabled smooth handling of the festive rush.
Indian Railways continues to monitor passenger demand closely and remains committed to providing safe, efficient and passenger-friendly services during peak travel seasons.
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Dharmendra Tewari/ Ritu Raj/ Manik Sharma
(Release ID: 2234689)
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