In order to manage the anticipated surge in travelers ahead of the Holi festival, the Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway has announced the operation of 14 pairs of Holi Special trains, adding 128 additional trips across its network.
The initiative aims to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
According to NF Railway officials, eleven pairs of special trains have been operational since February 2026. Three more pairs of special trains will operate on key routes connecting Tata Nagar-Katihar, Agartala-Guwahati and Kishanganj-Lalkuan, significantly enhancing connectivity within and beyond the Northeast.
The Tata Nagar-Katihar special (Train No. 08181) will operate every Monday from March 2 to March 30, departing Tata Nagar at 1:00 PM and reaching Katihar at 7:30 AM the following day. The return service (08182) will run every Tuesday from March 3 to March 31, leaving Katihar at 10:30 AM and arriving at Tata Nagar at 4:30 AM the next day. Both services will complete five trips each.
Similarly, the Agartala-Guwahati special (05628) will run every Thursday from March 5 to March 26, departing Agartala at 7:00 PM and reaching Guwahati at 9:00 AM the next day. The return train (05627) will operate every Friday from March 6 to March 27, leaving Guwahati at 1:15 PM and arriving in Agartala at 4:25 AM the following day. Each direction will run four trips.
Also Read: Northeast Frontier Railway adds additional stoppages for 19 trains across Assam
On the Kishanganj-Lalkuan route, Train No. 05741 will run every Thursday from March 5 to March 26, departing Kishanganj at 8:30 AM and reaching Lalkuan at 3:40 PM the next day. The return train (05742) will leave Lalkuan every Friday from March 6 to March 27 at 8:40 PM, arriving at Kishanganj at 2:00 AM on Sunday. Both services will also complete four trips each.
In addition to running special trains, NF Railway has made special arrangements, including enhanced security deployment, systematic crowd management, additional help desks, increased on-ground staff presence and assured availability of safe drinking water to handle the surge in passenger footfall.
Passengers have been advised to check schedules, stoppages and timings on the official website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) or at railway enquiry counters before travel. Authorities have also urged travelers to book tickets only through authorised channels.
