The surge in passenger traffic ahead of the Holi holiday has led to significant difficulties in train ticket bookings. Waiting lists on many trains have exceeded 100, leaving thousands of passengers anxious about reaching their destinations on time.
Gurugram: The increased passenger volume on trains before the Holi holiday has caused considerable difficulties in ticket bookings. Waiting lists on many trains have exceeded 100, leaving thousands of passengers worried about timely arrival at their destinations. Considering this situation, Indian Railways has decided to operate Holi special trains.
Railways has announced the operation of two special trains from Gurugram to Haridwar and Gorakhpur, running from March 10th to March 31st. These trains will benefit passengers who haven't secured tickets on regular trains.
Gurugram-Gorakhpur Holi Special Train
According to Captain Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer of the North Western Railway, Train No. 05024 (Khatipura-Gorakhpur Weekly Special) will depart from Khatipura at 6:50 PM every Monday from March 10th to 31st, reaching Gorakhpur at 2:45 PM the next day. This train will halt at major stations including Khalilabad, Basti, Gonda, Bareilly, Moradabad, Delhi, Gurugram, Rewari, Alwar, and Bandikui.
Train Stoppage Time at Gurugram Station
10:30 PM while going from Jaipur to Gorakhpur.
1 PM the next day while returning from Gorakhpur.
Haridwar-Sabarmati Bi-Weekly Special Train
Railways has also introduced Train No. 09425-26 (Haridwar-Sabarmati Bi-weekly Special), operating from March 10th to 31st. This train will depart from Haridwar at 9 PM every Friday and Monday, arriving in Jaipur at 11 AM the next day and reaching Sabarmati at 10:30 PM. The train will halt at major stations including Gurugram, Delhi Cantt, Ghaziabad, Meerut City, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, Ajmer, Palanpur, and Abu Road.
Train Stoppage Time at Gurugram Station
4:45 AM while arriving from Haridwar.
8:20 AM while going from Sabarmati to Haridwar.
Excessive Crowds on Trains Before Holi, Waiting Lists Exceed 100
Holi will be celebrated on March 13th and 14th, resulting in millions of migrant workers traveling back home by rail. However, waiting lists are continuously increasing on trains bound for Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Reports indicate that the cancellation of many trains on the Delhi-Ambala route has doubled the crowds on other trains, forcing passengers to travel standing.
Advice for Rail Passengers
Check train status before travel.
Utilize the Tatkal quota for immediate confirmed ticket booking.
Consider using special trains where seats may still be available.
Railways has clarified that more special trains can be introduced if needed. Railways is continuously monitoring the passenger rush during Holi and is also considering adding extra coaches.
