Holi 2026: 186 special trains announced to tackle festive travel surge: Check routes, stops and booking details

As Holi approaches, travellers nationwide are preparing for one of the busiest festive travel periods of the year. Expecting a sharp rise in passenger movement, Central Railway has introduced a comprehensive arrangement to facilitate smoother travel for those returning home for the celebrations.

A total of 186 special trains will operate, linking Mumbai, Pune and other major cities with key destinations across the country. With ticket reservations already available online and at booking counters, passengers now have more options to manage their travel plans during the festive surge.

Key Routes Covered During the Festive Season

To manage the seasonal demand, Central Railway will run special services connecting Mumbai with prominent destinations such as Nagpur, Sawantwadi Road, Banaras, Gorakhpur, Samastipur and Danapur. These routes typically experience heavy passenger traffic during Holi, making the additional services vital for ensuring smoother long-distance journeys.


The rail network has also been strengthened with extra trains operating between Pune and Nagpur, as well as between Hazrat Nizamuddin and Danapur. These corridors represent some of the busiest travel sectors, offering multiple alternatives for festive travellers moving across states.

Out of the 186 announced services, 94 trains have been categorized as Holi Special Trains, while the remaining 92 will function as Other Special Services. The schedule includes overnight trains, same-day services and staggered departures to better distribute passenger traffic during peak travel days.

Advance Bookings Open

Since bookings commenced on February 18, passengers have been able to secure their seats in advance. With trains scheduled across various dates and time slots, commuters now have enhanced flexibility to select journeys that align with their Holi plans.