Holi is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India. With millions of people traveling across the country to celebrate with their loved ones, Indian Railways has introduced Holi Special Trains 2025 to accommodate the surge in passengers. If you’re planning to travel by train this festive season, it’s crucial to know the special trains list, schedules, and booking details to ensure a hassle-free journey.
To make things easier, we have compiled a detailed list of Holi Special Trains, key routes, and practical travel tips to help you plan your trip efficiently.
Holi Special Trains 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Special Trains | 62 |
| Major Routes Covered | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Varanasi, Patna, Lucknow, and more |
| Booking Platform | IRCTC (www.irctc.co.in) |
| Booking Start Date | Already Open |
| Travel Period | March 7 – March 31, 2025 |
| Classes Available | General, Sleeper, AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, AC 1-tier |
| Pantry/Catering Available | Yes (varies by train) |
| Tatkal Booking | Available for select trains |
| Live Tracking | Available on NTES App & IRCTC website |
Holi Special Trains 2025 provide a convenient and affordable travel option for passengers planning to visit their hometowns or celebrate with loved ones. With 62 additional trains running across major routes, Indian Railways ensures a comfortable and seamless travel experience.
To avoid last-minute hassles, book your tickets early via IRCTC and stay updated on schedules. Follow our travel tips for a smooth and enjoyable journey this Holi season!
Why Holi Special Trains are Important?
During festivals like Holi, railway stations witness an unprecedented rush, leading to ticket shortages and overcrowded trains. To manage this increased demand, Indian Railways operates additional Holi Special Trains on high-traffic routes. These trains provide much-needed relief to passengers, ensuring smoother travel experiences.
Benefits of Holi Special Trains:
- Additional Capacity: More trains mean more available seats, reducing the last-minute ticket rush.
- Direct Connectivity: These trains run on popular intercity and interstate routes, reducing layovers.
- Affordable Travel: Prices remain competitive, offering cost-effective travel options.
- More Availability: Unlike regular trains, special trains are less crowded since they are introduced specifically for festival travelers.
- Safer Travel: With increased security measures, these trains offer a safer option for travelers.
List of Holi Special Trains 2025 (Major Routes & Schedule)
1. Delhi – Patna Holi Special (Train No. 04075/04076)
- Route: New Delhi → Kanpur → Prayagraj → Patna
- Frequency: Daily from March 7 to March 31
- Departure Time: 19:45 from New Delhi
- Arrival Time: 06:30 at Patna
- Booking: Available on IRCTC
2. Mumbai – Varanasi Superfast Special (Train No. 02103/02104)
- Route: Mumbai → Itarsi → Jabalpur → Varanasi
- Frequency: Thrice a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- Departure Time: 21:30 from Mumbai CST
- Arrival Time: 17:45 at Varanasi
- Booking: Available on IRCTC
3. Kolkata – Lucknow Special Express (Train No. 03155/03156)
- Route: Kolkata → Patna → Lucknow
- Frequency: Twice a week (Tuesday & Saturday)
- Departure Time: 14:00 from Kolkata
- Arrival Time: 07:15 at Lucknow
- Booking: Available on IRCTC
4. Ahmedabad – Gorakhpur Weekly Special (Train No. 09411/09412)
- Route: Ahmedabad → Jaipur → Kanpur → Gorakhpur
- Frequency: Weekly (Sunday)
- Departure Time: 23:55 from Ahmedabad
- Arrival Time: 16:30 at Gorakhpur (next day)
- Booking: Available on IRCTC
5. Chennai – Patna Festival Express (Train No. 02687/02688)
- Route: Chennai → Vijayawada → Nagpur → Patna
- Frequency: Bi-weekly (Tuesday & Friday)
- Departure Time: 18:40 from Chennai Central
- Arrival Time: 23:15 at Patna
- Booking: Available on IRCTC
How to Book Holi Special Train Tickets?
Booking a ticket for Holi Special Trains is simple and can be done online or offline.
Online Booking (via IRCTC)
- Visit IRCTC website.
- Login with your credentials or create an account.
- Enter travel details (Source, Destination, Date, Class).
- Select Holi Special Train from the available list.
- Make Payment via UPI, Debit/Credit Card, or Net Banking.
- Download e-Ticket or take a printout.
Offline Booking (Railway Counters)
- Visit your nearest railway station reservation counter.
- Fill out the ticket form with travel details.
- Provide valid ID proof for identity verification.
- Pay the required fare in cash or card.
- Collect your printed ticket.
Additional Travel Tips for Holi 2025
- Travel with Valid ID: Ensure you carry a government-issued ID for verification.
- Check PNR Status: Keep track of your ticket status via the IRCTC PNR Tracker.
- Keep Your Luggage Safe: Use locks and chains for extra security.
- Book Meals in Advance: Pre-order meals via IRCTC e-Catering to avoid food shortages on board.
- Carry Essentials: Pack light but include sanitizer, water bottles, and necessary medicines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When do Holi Special Trains start operating?
Holi Special Trains run from March 7 to March 31, 2025, covering the peak travel period for the festival.
2. How can I check seat availability?
You can check seat availability on the IRCTC website or via the NTES mobile app.
3. Are Holi Special Trains more expensive than regular trains?
No, the fares for Holi Special Trains are similar to those of regular trains, ensuring affordable travel options.
4. Can I cancel my ticket for a full refund?
Ticket cancellation policies depend on the class and timing of cancellation. Refund rules can be checked on the IRCTC website.
5. Do Holi Special Trains have pantry services?
Most Holi Special Trains have pantry cars or onboard catering services. You can also pre-book meals through IRCTC eCatering.
