As Holi approaches, Indian Railways has announced special measures to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers during the festive season. Notably, the Vande Bharat Express will operate a a special train between New Delhi and Patna, offering a faster and more comfortable journey. In addition the railway authorities have unveiled six pairs of special trains with revised schedules to effectively manage the anticipated holiday rush.
Vande Bharat Express Schedule for Holi (March 8-21)
Indian Railways will operate the Vande Bharat Express as a special service between New Delhi and Patna from March 8 to March 20. The train will run under the number 02436 from New Delhi, departing at 8:30 AM, reaching Prayagraj Junction at 3:15 PM, and arriving in Patna at 10:30 PM.
For the return journey, train number 02435 will run from Patna starting March 9 to March 21, departing at 5:30 AM, stopping at Prayagraj Junction at 1:05 PM, and reaching New Delhi at 8:10 PM. The train will not operate on Mondays from New Delhi and on Tuesdays from Patna.
Stops for Vande Bharat Special Train:
• New Delhi
• Ghaziabad
• Kanpur Central
• Prayagraj Junction
• Varanasi
• Ghazipur City
• Ballia
• Suraimanpur
• Chhapra
• Patliputra
• Patna
Special Trains Stopping at Prayagraj & Chheoki
Indian Railways has also announced additional Holi special trains stopping at Prayagraj Junction and Chheoki, including:
• Ahmedabad to Danapur (09417) - March 11, 18, 25 & April 1, departure at 12:10 PM
• Danapur to Ahmedabad (09418) - March 12, 19, 26, departure at 8:10 AM
• Mumbai Central to Katihar (09189) - March 9, 16, 23, 30, departure at 2:15 PM
• Katihar to Mumbai Central (09190) - March 11, 18, 25 & April 1, departure at 3:00 PM
• Cherlapalli to Danapur (07709) - March 10, 20, departure at 5:00 PM
• Danapur to Cherlapalli (07710) - March 11, 21, departure at 9:20 PM
• Cherlapalli to Muzaffarpur (07711) - March 11, 16, 21, departure at 5:50 PM
• Muzaffarpur to Cherlapalli (07712) - March 12, 17, 22, departure at 2:30 PM
• New Delhi to Bhagalpur (04068) - March 9, 12, 16, 19, departure at 10:30 PM
• Bhagalpur to New Delhi (04067) - March 11, 14, 18, 21, departure at 3:45 AM
Over 250 Special Trains for Holi
To handle the huge passenger rush during Holi, Indian Railways will operate more than 250 special trains. Additionally, temporary waiting areas will be set up at New Delhi Railway Station, and extra Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel will be deployed for crowd management.
These special services, particularly the Vande Bharat Express between New Delhi and Patna, aim to provide passengers with a comfortable and faster journey during the festive season. Passengers are advised to book tickets in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience.