**Executive Summary**
This document outlines Indian Railways' comprehensive arrangements to facilitate comfortable, timely, and hassle-free travel during the Holi rush, which saw over 5.5 million passengers travel via North Western Railway alone. Key measures include operating special trains, systematic crowd management, and deploying railway personnel and Civil Defence volunteers. The arrangements were in effect on March 2nd and 3rd, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Arrangements for Passenger Comfort and Safety**
* **Special Trains:** Operated across multiple zones to facilitate homebound travel during the Holi rush.
* **Crowd Management:** Systematic queue management, phased boarding, and effective crowd regulation measures implemented at major stations.
* **Personnel Deployment:** Railway personnel, including RPF teams and Rail Karmayogis, maintained continuous on-ground vigilance.
* **Passenger Assistance:** Specific assistance provided to elderly, divyang, and women passengers.
* **Support Staff:** Civil Defence volunteers deployed at busy stations to strengthen crowd control and passenger support.
* **Information Dissemination:** Continuous announcements and electronic display boards used for timely train information.
* **Awareness Campaigns:** Promoted ticket purchases through ATVMs and the RailOne App.
**Operational Measures**
* **Monitoring and Supervision:** Punctual operation of special trains ensured through continuous monitoring and supervision by senior officers.
* **War Rooms:** 24x7 war rooms operated through coordinated inter-departmental efforts for effective control and oversight.
* **Coach Augmentation:** 141 additional coaches of various categories augmented in 53 regular trains to accommodate increased demand.
**Passenger Experience**
* Passengers appreciated cleanliness, amenities, and efficient ticketing systems.
* Passengers reported safe, smooth, and comfortable journeys, with no inconvenience experienced.
**Impact Analysis**
**Passengers**
* **Impact:** Experience improved comfort, safety, and timeliness during their Holi travel. Reduced inconvenience and a more organized travel experience.
* **Action Required:** None directly mentioned, but they are encouraged to utilize available facilities like ATVMs and the RailOne App for ticket purchases.
**Railway Personnel and RPF Teams**
* **Impact:** Increased workload and responsibility to ensure smooth passenger movement, security, and adherence to safety standards during the peak festive period.
* **Action Required:** Continue vigilant monitoring, crowd regulation, passenger assistance, and ensuring adherence to safety standards.
**Civil Defence Volunteers**
* **Impact:** Deployed to assist in station premises and on platforms to strengthen crowd regulation and passenger support mechanisms.
* **Action Required:** Assist in crowd control and provide passenger support.
**Rail Karmayogis**
* **Impact:** Actively assisting passengers, especially divyang, elderly, and women, and demonstrating dedication to ensuring inclusive and supportive travel.
* **Action Required:** Continue to provide dedicated service and support to passengers.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Railways: The primary entity responsible for operating trains and implementing arrangements during the Holi rush.
North Western Railway: A specific railway zone that made comprehensive arrangements to manage the heavy passenger rush.
Central Railway: A specific railway zone that ensured systematic queue arrangements and crowd management for a specific train.
Northern Railway: A specific railway zone that facilitated travel through special trains and passenger facilitation measures.
South East Central Railway: A specific railway zone that has been making continuous announcements and assisting travelers during Holi.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways Continues Comprehensive
Festive Arrangements to Facilitate Comfortable,
Timely and Hassle-Free Travel During Holi Rush
Over 5.5 Million Passengers Undertake Journey via North
Western Railway; 1.1 Million Took Journey on 1st and 2nd
March Alone
Civil Defence Volunteers Deployed Across Major Delhi
Stations to Support Smooth Passenger Movement
Special Trains, Vigilant Monitoring and Systematic Crowd
Management Strengthen Indian Railways’ Holi Operations
Railway Personnel and RPF Teams Ensure Safe, Inclusive,
and Smooth Passenger Movement During Holi Travel,
Assisting Elderly, Divyang and Women Passengers
Posted On: 03 MAR 2026 7:13PM by PIB Delhi
Indian Railways continued to maintain enhanced operational preparedness on 2nd March 2026 as well as
today 3rd March 2026 to facilitate safe, smooth, timely and comfortable travel for passengers during the
ongoing Holi festive rush across the country.
Special trains are being operated across multiple zones to facilitate homebound travel, while systematic
queue management, phased boarding and effective crowd regulation measures are being implemented at
major stations. Railway personnel, including RPF teams and Rail Karmayogis, maintain continuous on-
ground vigilance, supervise passenger movement, assist elderly, divyang and women passengers, and
provide essential guidance throughout the journey. Civil Defence volunteers are also being deployed at
busy stations to strengthen crowd control and passenger support. Passengers travelling during the festive
period appreciate the cleanliness, passenger amenities and efficient ticketing systems, reflecting the
Railways’ focus on convenience, safety and an organised travel experience during Holi.
To effectively manage the heavy passenger rush during the Holi festival, North Western Railway made
comprehensive and well-coordinated arrangements. All departments worked in close coordination to
facilitate safe, convenient and hassle-free travel for passengers journeying to their hometowns across the
zone.A total of 295 trips of newly introduced special trains were notified for destinations including Gorakhpur,
Samastipur, Yog Nagari Rishikesh, Amritsar, Mysuru, Kakinada, Gomti Nagar, Bhavnagar Terminus,
Howrah, Tirupati, Mau, Sabarmati, Danapur, Asansol, Chennai Egmore, Vadodara and Kolkata. In the
week preceding Holi, 54 trips of special trains were operated towards major destinations such as
Gorakhpur, Mysuru, Kakinada, Bhavnagar Terminus, Howrah, Tirupati, Danapur, Kolkata, Sabarmati and
Asarva.
During this period, more than 5.5 million passengers travelled from stations under the jurisdiction of
North Western Railway. Notably, around 1.1 million passengers travelled on 1st and 2nd March alone,
during which 21 trips of new special trains were operated. In addition, the operational period of 30 special
trains comprising 216 trips was extended. To further accommodate increased demand in March, 141
additional coaches of various categories were augmented in 53 regular trains.
At major stations, structured crowd management measures were implemented to regulate passenger
movement. Holding areas and barricades were set up to streamline entry, while adequate Railway
Protection Force (RPF) personnel and ticket checking staff were deployed to maintain security and order.
Help desks provided guidance to passengers, and continuous announcements along with electronic display
boards ensured timely dissemination of train information. Awareness campaigns promoted ticket
purchases through ATVMs and the RailOne App. On-duty staff remained alert for immediate response
wherever required.
Punctual operation of special trains was ensured through continuous monitoring, with regular supervision
by senior officers at headquarters and divisional levels. Additionally, 24x7 war rooms functioned through
coordinated inter-departmental efforts to maintain effective control and oversight during the festive rush.
On the occasion of Holi, Central Railway ensured systematic queue arrangements and effective crowd
management for Train No. 12173 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus–Udyog Nagri Express at Lokmanya Tilak
Terminus, keeping in view the additional festive rush. As a result, passengers commenced their journey in
a safe, smooth and comfortable manner.
होली के अवसर पर लोकमान्य तलक टमनस–उोग नगरी एक्सप्रेस (12173) म त्योहार क अतरक्त
भीड़ को ध्यान म रखते हुए सुव्यवत कतार व्यवा और प्रभावी भीड़ प्रबंधन सुनत कया गया।
इसके परणामस्वरूप यात्रय ने सुरत, सुचारु और आरामदायक यात्रा क शुरुआत क।… pic.twitt
er.com/BsCOGMyGgl
— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) March 2, 2026
Demonstrating vigilance in action, RPF teams closely monitored on-ground arrangements during the Holi
travel rush, ensuring adherence to safety standards, regulating passenger movement, and maintaining a
secure, stress-free environment. They also supervised queue management to facilitate orderly boarding
and seamless movement, reaffirming Central Railway’s commitment to safety, discipline, and a hassle-free
travel experience for every passenger.🚆 Seamless Queues. Stress-Free Travel. ✨
RPF teams actively supervising queue management to ensure orderly boarding
and smooth passenger movement during the Holi festive rush.
Committed to maintaining safety, discipline and a hassle-free journey for every
Yatri.#HoliSpecial… pic.twitter.com/9030wjpptH
— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) March 2, 2026
Effective crowd regulation measures are being implemented throughout the Holi season at Lokmanya
Tilak Terminus, ensuring that the festive rush remains well controlled and passenger flow remains smooth
and well organised.
🚆 Festive Rush. Fully Controlled✨
Effective crowd regulation measures implemented to manage the festive rush and
ensure smooth passenger flow during the Holi season at Lokmanya Tilak
Terminus.#HoliSpecial #SafeTravel #CentralRailway #PassengerSafety pic.twitter.
com/DwEhmd1OWi
— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) March 2, 2026
Passengers travelling during the festival of colours appreciated the clean coaches and passenger amenities
being provided at stations by Central Railway, highlighting the comfortable travel experience during Holi.
रगं के त्योहार पर होली पर सफर कर रह यात्रय ने साफ-सुथर कोच और रल वे ेशन पर मल रही
सुवधाओ ंको सराहा।#IndianRailways #YatriSewa #PassengerFirst #CrowdManageme
nt #FestivalSpecial #SafeJourney #HoliSpecial pic.twitter.com/Ev1unRxaut
— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) March 2, 2026
At North Central Railway, railway personnel remained continuously vigilant at Mathura Junction
railway station during the Holi festival, carrying out regular inspections and close monitoring to ensure a
safe and pleasant journey for passengers.
होली त्योहार के दौरान रल यात्रय क सुखद एवं सुरत यात्रा सुनत करने हत ु रल कम नरतं र
सतक ता बरतत े हुए नयमत जांच एव ं नगरानी म जुट ह। 🚉👮
📍 मथुरा जंक्शन #FestivalSpecialArrangements #YatriSewa #NCRailway pic.twitter.
com/tBoVxolEkb
— North Central Railway (@CPRONCR) March 2, 2026
A passenger who travelled by a special train from Delhi to Prayagraj during Holi shared that all essential
facilities were smoothly available throughout the journey and that no inconvenience was experienced.होली के अवसर पर दी स े प्रयागराज वशेष ट्रन ारा पहुचं े यात्री ने अपनी यात्रा अनुभव साझा करते
हुए बताया क सफर के दौरान सभी आवश्यक सुवधाएं सुचारु रूप से उपलब्ध रह और उ कसी प्रकार
क असुवधा का सामना नह करना पड़ा। 🚉✨#YatriSewa #Holi2026 #NCRailway… pic.t
witter.com/S3HHe1D0Qi
— North Central Railway (@CPRONCR) March 2, 2026
At Kanpur Central railway station, Railway Police remained actively engaged in facilitating smooth
passenger movement and providing proper guidance, reflecting continued commitment towards service,
vigilance and dedicated support during the festive rush.
"सुरा भी, सहयोग भी" 🚆💫
होली के अवसर पर कानपुर सट्रल पर यात्रय के सुगम आवागमन और बेहतर मागदशन हत ु रल वे पुलस
सदव तत्पर ह।
सेवा, सतक ता और समपण का यह सफर नरतं र जारी ह। #NCRailway #HappyHoli #RailSecuri
ty #Indianrailways pic.twitter.com/RjUtEePRp0
— North Central Railway (@CPRONCR) March 2, 2026
A passenger travelling from Agra to Dholpur appreciated the facilities available at Agra Cantt railway
station, describing the ticketing system—from counters to ATVMs—as simple, quick and convenient.
North Central Railway remains committed to delivering an enhanced travel experience to passengers.
होली के अवसर पर आगरा स े धौलपुर क यात्रा कर रह एक यात्री न े आगरा क ट ेशन पर उपलब्ध
सुवधाओ ंक प्रशंसा क। काउंटर से लेकर ATVM तक टकटग व्यवा को उन े सहज, त्वरत और
सुवधाजनक बताया।
उत्तर मध्य रल व े यात्रय को बेहतर अनुभव प्रदान करने के लए प्रतबद्ध ह। … pic.twitter.com/97Cj5
xef89
— North Central Railway (@CPRONCR) March 2, 2026
In view of the increased festive rush, special vigilance and coordinated efforts by railway staff at
Prayagraj Junction railway station ensured orderly and safe boarding of passengers on the 20403 Lalgarh
Express, maintaining a secure and smooth travel environment during Holi.
🚆🌈 होली पर सुरत और सुगम यात्रा क व्यवा
त्योहार के दौरान बढ़ी हुई भीड़ को दखते हुए प्रयागराज जंक्शन पर रल कमय न े वशेष सतक ता एवं
समन्वय के साथ लालगढ़ एक्सप्रेस (20403) म यात्रय क क्रमबद्ध एव ं सुरत बोडग सुनत क।#
FestivalSpecialArrangements… pic.twitter.com/XaRMAbvcAn
— North Central Railway (@CPRONCR) March 2, 2026
During the Holi festival, Northern Railway has made travel home easier through the operation of special
trains and systematic passenger facilitation measures.At New Delhi railway station, passengers travelling by Train No. 04420 New Delhi–Darbhanga Holi
Special experienced smooth and convenient arrangements, reflecting the effectiveness of the special
services introduced for the festive season.
ेशल ट्रन ारा होली म घर जाने का सफर हुआ आसान!
नई दी-दरभंगा होली ेशल रल गाड़ी म यात्रय को मल रही सुवधाजनक यात्रा को दशाता आज का
दृश्य।
📍नई दी रल व े ेशन
🚄 ट्रन संा 04420#FestivalSpecialArrangements #HoliSpecialTrains #YatriSewa pi
c.twitter.com/A4c4xg6Ald
— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) March 2, 2026
Passengers travelling home by the Sampoorna Kranti Express expressed their appreciation by warmly
acknowledging the dedicated service of Rail Karmayogis, highlighting that their continuous efforts
strengthened passenger confidence and ensured a seamless journey.
दल से धन्यवाद, सेवा को सलाम!
संपूण क्रांत एक्सप्रेस से होली म घर जा रह यात्रय न े मुु राते हुए हाथ हलाकर #RailKarmyogiyo
का आभार व्यक्त कया।
आपक अनवरत सेवा न े यात्रय के वास को सशक्त बनाया तथा सुगम यात्रा सुनत क।#HoliS
pecialTrains #YatriSewa pic.twitter.com/zjp3HTprW8
— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) March 2, 2026
At Anand Vihar Terminal railway station, well-organised passenger movement was witnessed during the
festive rush. Holding areas equipped with essential amenities were established, and passengers were being
sent to platforms in a phased and safe manner to avoid congestion.
आगामी होली पव के दौरान आनन्द वहार टमनल रल वे ेशन पर यात्रय क सुव्यवत आवाजाही
दशाता आज सुबह का दृश्य।
होग एरया म यात्रय के लए आवश्यक सुवधाएं उपलब्ध कराई गई ह और उ चरणबद्ध एवं
सुरत तरीके से ेटफ़ॉम क ओर भेजा जा रहा ह।
🕙 10:30 AM… pic.twitter.com/MHVjyQBpDh
— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) March 2, 2026
Railway personnel remained committed to ensuring a pleasant, safe and convenient travel experience at
Ghaziabad Junction railway station, maintaining vigilance and active supervision throughout the Holi
period.होली त्योहार के दौरान रल यात्रय क सुखद, सुरत और सुवधाजनक यात्रा हत ु प्रतबद्ध रल कमयोगी।
📍गाजयाबाद जंक्शन रल वे ेशन #FestivalSpecialArrangements #YatriSewa pic.twitte
r.com/idNIVVG7BC
— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) March 2, 2026
Rail Karmayogis at New Delhi railway station have been actively assisting divyang, elderly and women
passengers, demonstrating service and dedication in ensuring inclusive and supportive travel
arrangements.
सेवा और समपण क मसाल, उत्तर रल व े के कमयोगी!
रल कमयोगी ेशन पर दव्यांग, बुजुग और महला यात्रय क सहायता म तत्परता के साथ जुट हुए ह।
📍नई दी रल व े ेशन#YatriSewa #FestivalSpecialArrangements pic.twitter.com/Tz
JGAuhklN
— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) March 2, 2026
In view of the increased passenger footfall, approximately 55–60 Civil Defence volunteers have been
deployed from 26 February 2026 to 04 March 2026 at Delhi Junction, New Delhi and Anand Vihar
Terminal stations to assist in station premises and on platforms, strengthening crowd regulation and
passenger support mechanisms.
आगामी होली पव के दौरान यात्रय क अतरक्त संा को दखत े हुए रल वे प्रशासन के आदशानुसार
सवल डफ स के लगभग 55 स े 60 स्वयंसेवक ारा दी जं., नई दी एव ं आनन्द वहार (ट.) रल वे
ेशन परसर एव ं ेटफॉम पर दनांक 26 फरवरी 2026 से 04 माच 2026 तक वशेष सेवा… pic.tw
itter.com/cfKLlNSjKg
— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) March 2, 2026
A passenger travelling by a Holi Special train expressed gratitude for the arrangements made at Anand
Vihar Terminal, acknowledging the efforts of the railway administration in facilitating a smooth departure.
उत्तर रल व े क पहल, हर यात्री तक राहत क पहुँच!
होली ेशल ट्रन से अपने घर खुशी खुशी जा रह सत्यम जी ने आनंद वहार ेशन पर क गई व्यवाओं
के लए रल प्रशासन को धन्यवाद कया ह। #FestivalSpecialArrangements #HoliSpecialTrai
ns #YatriSewa pic.twitter.com/fAro2pKoA6
— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) March 2, 2026
On the occasion of Holi, Rail Karmayogis of North Eastern Railway remained committed to ensuring a
pleasant, safe and convenient journey for passengers travelling to their homes. Dedicated arrangements
and active supervision were maintained at Gorakhpur Junction railway station to facilitate smooth
passenger movement during the festive rush.होली त्योहार के अवसर पर अपने घर को जा रह रल यात्रय क सुखद, सुरत और सुवधाजनक यात्रा
हत ु प्रतबद्ध रल कमयोगी।
📍गोरखपुर जं. रल व े ेशन pic.twitter.com/5uPb5zIYnm
— North Eastern Railway (@nerailwaygkp) March 2, 2026
With the operation of special trains, travel home during Holi has become easier and more comfortable. A
student of B.R.D. Medical College, Gorakhpur travelling by a Holi Special train expressed satisfaction
with the arrangements made by the railway administration and appreciated the smooth travel experience.
ेशल ट्रन ारा होली म घर जाने का सफर हुआ आसान !
होली ेशल ट्रन से यात्रा कर रह बी.आर.डी.मेडकल कॉलेज, गोरखपुर के छात्र ने रल वे प्रशासन ारा क
गई व्यवाओ ंपर प्रसन्नता व्यक्त क।#NERHoliSpecial pic.twitter.com/UhUrqpPSOJ
— North Eastern Railway (@nerailwaygkp) March 2, 2026
During the operation of Holi Special trains, personnel of South East Central Railway have been making
continuous announcements to provide essential information to passengers. They are also actively assisting
travellers in maintaining orderly queues while boarding and deboarding during the festive rush, ensuring
that journeys remain smooth, systematic and secure.
होली ेशल ट्रन के संचालन के दौरान रल कमय ारा लगातार अनाउंसमट के माध्यम से यात्रय को
आवश्यक जानकारी दी जा रही ह तथा त्योहरी भीड़ के दौरान ट्रन म चढ़न-े उतरने के समय लाइन म
व्यवत रहने हत ु सहयोग प्रदान कया जा रहा ह जससे आपक यात्रा सुगम, सुव्यवत… pic.twitt
er.com/YTJ9wXIJve
— South East Central Railway (@secrail) March 2, 2026
A passenger travelling from Raipur Junction railway station expressed happiness and thanked the
Railways, stating that the operation of special trains enabled him to secure a confirmed berth, making it
easy to travel home despite the festive crowd.
रायपुर ेशन से यात्रा कर रह यात्री ने खुशी जतात े हुए रल वे का धन्यवाद कया और कहा ेशल ट्रन
चलने से आसानी स े कन्फम बथ मल गई, जसस े त्यौहार के भीड़ के दौरान भी घर जाना बु ल आसान
हो गया। @RailMinIndia @GMSECR @AshwiniVaishnaw#SECR #IndianRailways #H
oliSpecialTrain… pic.twitter.com/WQLP0sOOxT
— South East Central Railway (@secrail) March 2, 2026
Similarly, a passenger travelling from Bilaspur Junction railway station conveyed gratitude to Indian
Railways for securing a confirmed berth in a Holi Special train, enabling comfortable travel during the
festival period.बलासपुर से यात्रा कर रह यात्री न े होली के अवसर पर ेशल ट्रन म कन्फम बथ मलन े पर भारतीय रल वे
का आभार व्यक्त कया। @RailMinIndia @GMSECR @AshwiniVaishnaw#SECR #Indian
Railways #HoliSpecialTrain #PassengerFeedback pic.twitter.com/E4SyLeZPXi
— South East Central Railway (@secrail) March 2, 2026
Through coordinated efforts, special train services, enhanced vigilance and passenger-centric facilitation
measures, Indian Railways has ensured that Holi travel remains safe, orderly and comfortable across
major stations and routes. Railways reiterates its commitment to maintaining high standards of safety,
service and operational excellence during peak festive travel periods.
*****
Dharmendra Tewari/ Ritu Raj/ Manik Sharma
(Release ID: 2235124) Visitor Counter : 180
Read this release in: Urdu , Marathi