East Central Railway Announces 11 Pairs of Holi Special Trains Starting February 20
In preparation for the anticipated surge in travel demand during the Holi festival, the East Central Railway (ECR) has announced it will operate 11 pairs of special trains beginning February 20. These services are strategically planned to accommodate the increased passenger flow on key routes within the railway zone.
Key Routes for Holi Special Trains
Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of ECR, detailed the specific routes where these special trains will run. The comprehensive list includes:
- Howrah–Raxaul
- Sealdah–Madhubani
- Kolkata–Madhubani
- Durg–Madhubani
- Delhi–Barauni
- Delhi–Supaul
- Sitamarhi–Delhi
- Anand Vihar–Lokha Bazar
- Jaynagar–Amritsar
These routes have been selected based on historical data showing high demand during the Holi season, particularly for travelers returning to their hometowns in northern and eastern India to celebrate the festival.
Part of National Railway Strategy
The initiative by ECR is part of a broader nationwide plan by Indian Railways to operate over 1,400 Holi special services across the country. This extensive effort aims to ease travel congestion and provide smoother journeys during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
"The railways is fully prepared to handle the increased demand during Holi," stated CPRO Saraswati Chandra. "These 11 additional pairs are part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure smoother travel during the peak season. They will primarily cater to high-demand routes and provide relief from festival-time congestion."
Chandra emphasized that passenger numbers typically experience a significant surge during Holi due to the festival's deep cultural significance, making these special trains essential for managing the travel rush effectively.
Enhanced Festival-Time Services
This move aligns with Indian Railways' ongoing efforts to enhance services during major festivals. The strategy includes not only introducing special trains but also increasing the frequency of existing services and improving passenger amenities to ensure a more comfortable travel experience.
Chandra advised passengers to proactively check schedules and booking details for the Holi special trains through official railway websites and other available platforms. "This will help avoid last-minute inconvenience and ensure a hassle-free journey," he added, highlighting the importance of early planning during peak travel seasons.
The announcement underscores the railways' commitment to adapting to seasonal demands and providing reliable transportation options during culturally significant events like Holi, which sees millions of Indians traveling across the country.
