In anticipation of increased passenger traffic during the Holi festival, Indian Railways has announced a series of special train services to accommodate travelers and ensure smooth transit across various regions. These measures aim to alleviate congestion and provide additional travel options for passengers during the festive season.

Visakhapatnam – SMV Bengaluru Holi Special Express Trains:

To cater to the demand between Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru, special express trains have been scheduled as follows:

• Train No. 08549: Departs from Visakhapatnam at 3:30 PM on March 9, 16, and 23, arriving at SMV Bengaluru at 12:45 PM the following day.

• Train No. 08550: Departs from SMV Bengaluru at 3:50 PM on March 10, 17, and 24, arriving at Visakhapatnam at 12:30 PM the next day.

These trains will halt at key stations including Duvvada, Anakapalli, Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Vijayawada, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Perambur, Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Kuppam, Bangarpet, and Krishnarajapuram.

Bhubaneswar – Cherlapalli Holi Special Express Trains:

To facilitate travel between Bhubaneswar and Cherlapalli, special express trains have been arranged:

• Train No. 08479: Departs from Bhubaneswar at 12:10 PM on March 10, 17, and 24, arriving at Cherlapalli at 7:50 AM the next day.

• Train No. 08480: Departs from Cherlapalli at 9:50 AM on March 11, 18, and 25, arriving at Bhubaneswar at 6:10 AM the following day.

These services will stop at stations such as Khurda Road, Balugaon, Brahmapur, Palasa, Srikakulam Road, Vizianagaram, Kottavalasa, Duvvada, Anakapalli, Tuni, Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Nidadavolu, Eluru, Vijayawada, Guntur, Sattenapalle, Nadikudi Junction, Miryalaguda, and Nalgonda.

One-Way Special Trains:

To address the additional rush, one-way special trains have been introduced:

• Banaras – Visakhapatnam (Train No. 05042): Departs from Banaras at 10:50 PM on March 8, arriving at Visakhapatnam at 12:15 PM on March 10.

• Azamgarh – Visakhapatnam (Train No. 05040): Departs from Azamgarh at 11:55 PM on March 8, arriving at Visakhapatnam at 4:15 PM on March 10.

These trains will pass through various stations, including Varanasi Junction, Chunar, Mirzapur, Prayagraj Cheoki, Manikpur, Satna, Maihar, Katni, Umaria, Shahdol, Anuppur Junction, Pendra Road, Bilaspur Junction, Champa Junction, Raigarh, Jharsuguda Road, Sambalpur City, Rairakhol, Boinda, Angul, Dhenkanal, Naraj Marthapur, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road, Balugaon, Chatrapur, Brahmapur, Palasa, Srikakulam Road, Vizianagaram, and Kottavalasa.