The Indian Railways has announced the operation of special trains across the country in light of the Holi festival, which will aid travelers in securing confirmed tickets. A schedule has been released for 18 special trains, aimed primarily at addressing the expected surge in passenger traffic during the festive season. Railway spokesperson Saraswati Chandra stated that these additional trains are essential for supporting the heavy travel demands anticipated around Holi.

Among the announced services, the special trains will include routes such as the Puri-Patna-Puri and Udhna-Hassanpur Road-Udhna, with precise schedules to ensure convenience for travelers. For instance, the Puri-Patna special will leave Puri every Saturday, arriving in Patna the next day, enhancing connectivity for those traveling back home for the festival. Similarly, the schedule caters to returns, with trains departing Patna on Sundays towards Puri, underlining the Railways' commitment to accommodate the needs of passengers during peak travel times.

The expanded train services not only promise to ease ticketing issues but also reflect the Indian Railways' strategic planning to manage the high demand effectively, thereby minimizing overcrowding in regular services and enhancing the overall travel experience during one of India's most celebrated festivals. This move is expected to significantly benefit commuters traveling between these regions, providing them with reliable transport options during Holi.