ECR Danapur Division Announces 18 Additional Holi Special Trains to Handle Festival Rush
In a significant move to accommodate the surge in travel demand during the Holi festival, the Danapur division of the East Central Railway (ECR) has announced the operation of 18 additional special trains. These services will run on both UP and Down journeys, originating from various locations within the division to ensure smooth and efficient transportation for passengers.
Detailed Schedule of Holi Special Train Services
According to Abhinav Siddarth, the senior divisional commercial manager (senior DCM) of Danapur, the special trains are scheduled to operate across multiple routes with specific dates. The Puri-Patna special train will be in service from February 28 to March 29, departing from Puri every Saturday and Sunday, and returning from Patna on corresponding days. This initiative aims to provide convenient travel options for festival-goers.
Key highlights of the additional services include:
- The Gondia-Patna special train will run on March 2 from Gondia and March 3 from Patna, offering a direct connection for travelers.
- Special trains between New Delhi and Patna will operate from March 5 to 16, with departures from both ends to cater to the high demand.
- The Patna-Charlapalli service is scheduled from March 9 to April 1, extending travel options beyond the immediate festival period.
Additional Weekly and Biweekly Special Train Operations
Beyond the core routes, the railways have introduced several other special trains to enhance connectivity. A weekly Sheikhpura-Anand Vihar special will run from March 8 to 16, providing a dedicated service for this corridor. The Pune-Danapur biweekly special is set to operate from February 23 to March 8, with an additional daily service between Pune and Danapur continuing until March 10.
Further services already in operation include:
- The Lokmanya Tilak Mumbai-Danapur special train, which is running daily until March 9, ensuring consistent travel options.
- A weekly Ahmedabad-Patna special train will remain in service until March 27, supporting longer-distance travel needs.
These measures by the East Central Railway underscore a proactive approach to managing the anticipated increase in passenger traffic during the Holi festival, leveraging special trains to reduce congestion and improve travel experiences.
