With the upcoming Holi festival, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has decided to run special trains to accommodate the extra rush of passengers. Due to high demand, three special train routes have been introduced, connecting Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Additionally, the services of some previously scheduled special trains have been extended.
Why Special Trains?
Holi is one of the busiest times for train travel, with a massive surge in ticket bookings across India. Regular trains often get overbooked, leaving passengers on long waiting lists. To tackle this, Indian Railways monitors passenger demand and takes steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Special trains are being introduced on busy routes, and extra coaches are being added to existing trains.
How to Find and Book Special Trains
If you’re struggling with waitlisted tickets, you can check for seats in special trains. Here’s how:
- Train Numbers: Special train numbers start with “0” or “8”, making them easy to identify.
- Check Online: Use the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or visit the IRCTC website.
- Inquiry Counter: Ask at the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter.
- Social Media Updates: Stay updated via:
- Twitter: @EastCoastRail
- Facebook: @EASTCOASTRail
Booking Options:
PRS Counters: Book in person at railway ticket counters.
Online Booking: IRCTC website or mobile app.
Details of Holi Special Trains
ECoR has introduced the following special trains during Holi:
1. Bhubaneswar – Hyderabad (Cherlapalli) Holi Special
- Train Number: 08479/08480
- From Bhubaneswar: Every Monday at 12:10 PM (March 10 – March 24, 2025)
- From Cherlapalli (Hyderabad): Every Tuesday at 9:50 AM (March 11 – March 25, 2025)
2. Puri – Kolkata Holi Special
- Train Number: 03101/03102
- From Kolkata: March 13, 18 & 20, 2025 at 11:50 PM
- From Puri: March 14, 19 & 21, 2025 at 3:30 PM
3. Visakhapatnam – Bengaluru Holi Special
- Train Number: 08549/08550
- From Visakhapatnam: Every Sunday at 3:30 PM (March 9 – March 23, 2025)
- From Bengaluru: Every Monday at 3:50 PM (March 10 – March 24, 2025)
Extended Services of Special Trains
Apart from new Holi special trains, ECoR has extended the operation period of the following trains:
1. Udhna (Surat) – Khurda Road Special
- Train Number: 09059/09060
- Extended Till: Last week of April 2025
- Route: Udhna – Brahmapur – Vizianagaram – Rayagada – Titilagarh – Raipur – Khurda Road
2. Kolkata/Puri Special Trains
- Santragachhi – Puri (02837/02838)
- Shalimar – Puri (02839/02840)
- Bhanjapur (Baripada) – Puri (08011/08012)
- Extended Till: Last week of June 2025
3. Other Extended Special Trains
- Bhubaneswar – Yesvantpur (02811/02812)
- Sambalpur – Erode (08311/08312)
- Visakhapatnam – Shalimar (08508/08507)
- Bhubaneswar – Dhanbad (02832/02831)
- Visakhapatnam – Tirupati (08583/08584)
- All extended till the last week of April 2025
If you’re planning to travel during Holi, make sure to book your tickets early. Special trains are a great way to avoid long waitlists and ensure a comfortable journey. Keep an eye on the IRCTC website, railway counters, or social media updates to stay informed about train availability.
Enjoy a safe and happy Holi with hassle-free travel!
