• Eastern Railway has deployed 276 special trains to manage the intense travel demand of the Holi festival season.
• The expanded network provides essential direct links to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Visakhapatnam.
• Unreserved one-way services offer flexible travel options for passengers without advance bookings.
• Security has been significantly increased at major hubs through the use of CCTV and Railway Protection Force personnel

To address the substantial surge in passenger volume during the 2026 Dol Yatra and Holi festival season, Eastern Railway has implemented a comprehensive transportation plan centered on the deployment of 276 special trains. This strategic initiative aims to facilitate seamless travel between major Indian metropolises and critical regional hubs, including Delhi, Prayagraj, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, and Gorakhpur. By expanding the available rail capacity, the authority intends to mitigate the significant congestion typically associated with one of the most active periods on the national travel calendar.

The operational framework of this plan is divided into three distinct categories to ensure broad geographic coverage. Eastern Railway is directly overseeing 66 special trains, while another 116 pairs of trains originating from external zonal railways will terminate at or depart from Eastern Railway facilities. Furthermore, 94 additional trains are scheduled to transit through the network. Specific “Holi Special” routes have been prioritized, such as those connecting Howrah to Raxaul, Sealdah to Madhubani, and Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri, ensuring that high-demand corridors remain accessible.

A notable feature of this year’s strategy is the introduction of one-way unreserved special trains departing from primary terminals like Sealdah and Howrah. These services are specifically designed to accommodate last-minute travelers who may not have secured advance reservations, providing a vital alternative for those heading to major cities like Delhi and Jaipur. Additionally, the railway has augmented the capacity of several prominent express lines, including the Ajmer-Sealdah and Bikaner-Kolkata services, by attaching extra coaches throughout March to further reduce overcrowding.

Complementing these logistical efforts is a rigorous safety and security protocol. Major transit points such as Howrah, Sealdah, Asansol, and Malda are under enhanced surveillance and management. This includes the increased presence of Railway Protection Force personnel, the use of expanded CCTV systems, and the deployment of additional ticket-checking staff to maintain order within terminal buildings. By integrating flexible ticketing, increased physical seat capacity, and strengthened security measures, Eastern Railway seeks to ensure a more efficient and secure transit experience for the thousands of citizens traveling for the spring holidays.