Delhi: In a major push to manage festive travel, Indian Railways has announced 1,500 special trains across the country ahead of Holi 2026. The move aims to ease congestion and ensure smooth journeys for millions returning home for the festival of colors.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), headquartered in Maligaon near Guwahati, will roll out four pairs of unreserved special trains in the first phase. These services will connect Narangi–Gorakhpur, Katihar–Amritsar, Dibrugarh–Jhanjharpur, and Dibrugarh–Kolkata between February 18 and March 31, 2026. The trains are designed to reduce pressure on regular routes and improve access between the Northeast and key northern and eastern cities.
Passengers can check schedules and booking details on the official IRCTC platform and through NFR’s verified communication channels.
Tunnel Boost for Assam Connectivity
In a parallel infrastructure boost, the Union Cabinet has cleared a 15.8-km twin-tube tunnel project between Gohpur and Numaligarh in Assam. The project will cut travel distance from 240 km to just 34 km, reducing journey time from six hours to around 20 minutes, significantly improving regional connectivity and trade prospects.
South Western Railway Extends Mysuru–Madar Special
Meanwhile, South Western Railway (SWR) has extended the Mysuru–Madar Junction Express Special to manage peak Holi and summer rush. Operated under the Mysuru Division, Train Nos. 06281 and 06282 will run 17 additional trips through May–June 2026.
The train will continue with the same fare structure, stoppages, and coach composition. Major halts include Vasai Road, Surat, Vadodara Junction, Ratlam Junction, Chittaurgarh Junction, Bhilwara, Ajmer Junction, and Madar Junction—strengthening connectivity between Karnataka and Rajasthan.
Railway officials say the additional services reflect proactive planning to handle seasonal travel demand while maintaining passenger comfort and safety.
