Indian Railways Launches Holi Special Trains to Araria, Dibrugarh & Jhanjharpur

NEW DELHI — To manage the massive surge of passengers during the upcoming festival of colors, Indian Railways has officially announced a series of Holi Special Trains for 2026. A key highlight of this year's announcement is the enhanced connectivity for the Northeast and Bihar regions, specifically focusing on the Araria, Dibrugarh, and Jhanjharpur sectors via the crucial Forbesganj route.

These special services are designed to provide a comfortable and hassle-free journey for thousands of migrants and students returning home for the festivities.

Strategic Route: The Forbesganj Connection

The newly announced special trains will utilize the recently upgraded infrastructure in the Katihar and Samastipur divisions. By routing these trains through Forbesganj, the Railways is addressing a long-standing demand for better connectivity between the Seemanchal region of Bihar and the tea-growing hubs of Upper Assam.

1. Dibrugarh – Araria Court – Jhanjharpur Special

This service will be vital for laborers and professionals working in the Northeast.

• Route: Starting from Dibrugarh, the train will pass through New Jalpaiguri, Katihar, Purnia, and Araria Court, before heading towards Forbesganj and terminating at Jhanjharpur.

• Frequency: Weekly services starting two weeks prior to Holi.

2. Jhanjharpur – Forbesganj – Katihar Shuttle

To cater to local festival crowds within Bihar, a special shuttle service has been introduced to connect the Mithilanchal region with the Seemanchal border towns.

Key Features of the Holi Special Services

• Diverse Coaches: The trains will feature a mix of 2-tier AC, 3-tier AC, Sleeper Class, and General Unreserved coaches to accommodate travelers from all economic backgrounds.

• Special Security: Keeping the festival rush in mind, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) will deploy additional personnel on these routes to ensure the safety of women and children.

• Catering Services: On-board catering and e-catering facilities will be prioritized to ensure food availability during the long-distance journey.

Booking Information and Timings

Passengers are encouraged to book their tickets well in advance via the IRCTC website or at railway reservation counters. Due to the "Special" status, these trains will have a slightly different fare structure compared to regular mail/express trains.

• Booking Opening: Reservations for most Holi Special trains are expected to open 30 to 60 days in advance.

• Real-time Tracking: Passengers can use the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) to track the live status of these special festival runs.

Impact on Local Economy

Local leaders in Araria and Jhanjharpur have welcomed the move, noting that improved rail connectivity during peak festivals boosts local trade and allows families to reunite without the stress of overpriced private bus fares. The Forbesganj route, in particular, is being hailed as a lifeline for the district's economy.

The introduction of the Araria-Dibrugarh-Jhanjharpur Holi Special reflects Indian Railways' commitment to "Ease of Travel" during India's busiest festive seasons. With specialized routes through Forbesganj, the 2026 Holi season promises to be a much smoother experience for travelers in Eastern India.