Expanded Festive Services
To accommodate the surge in travel demand during the vibrant Holi festival, Central Railway has significantly augmented its train network. A total of 186
special trains are scheduled to operate across the country, with a dedicated focus on services originating from Pune. These additional trains are strategically deployed to connect Pune with several important cities, including Danapur, Gorakhpur, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Ghazipur, and Nagpur. This initiative aims to provide convenient and accessible travel options for passengers journeying to celebrate Holi with family and friends. The special train operations are set to commence on February 21 and will continue until March 10, 2026, ensuring extended travel opportunities for a considerable period.
Pune to Danapur Routes
For those heading to Danapur, Central Railway is offering two distinct services. The Pune-Danapur Daily Special (Train No. 01449) departs Pune daily at 3:30 pm, commencing its run from February 21 to March 8, and is scheduled to reach Danapur by 2:45 am on the third day. Its counterpart, the return service (Train No. 01450), leaves Danapur daily at 5:00 am from February 23 to March 10, arriving back in Pune by 6:15 pm the following day. Additionally, a Pune-Danapur Bi-Weekly Special (Train No. 01481) operates every Monday and Friday from Pune at 7:55 pm, starting February 23 through March 6, reaching Danapur at 8:00 am on the third day. The return journey (Train No. 01482) departs Danapur every Wednesday and Sunday at 10:00 am from February 25 to March 8, arriving in Pune by 6:15 pm the next day. These trains will feature key stops at Daund, Ahilyanagar, Kopargaon, Manmad, Bhusaval, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Katni, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Buxar, and Ara, with specific operational dates designated for 'Special Trains' and 'Holi Specials'.
Pune to Gorakhpur Service
Travelers bound for Gorakhpur can utilize the Pune-Gorakhpur Daily Special service. Train No. 01415 departs Pune every day at 6:50 am, operating from February 21 to March 8. It is slated to arrive in Gorakhpur by 4:00 pm on the subsequent day. The return journey, Train No. 01416, commences from Gorakhpur daily at 5:30 pm, starting February 22 through March 9, and is expected to reach Pune at 3:15 am on the third day of travel. This route includes important halts such as Daund Chord Cabin, Ahilyanagar, Kopargaon, Manmad, Bhusaval, Khandwa, Itarsi, Rani Kamlapati, Bina, Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi, Orai, Kanpur Central, Lucknow, Gonda, and Basti. The service will operate as 'Special Trains' initially and then transition to 'Holi Specials' during the peak festive period.
Pune to Ghazipur City
For those journeying to Ghazipur City, a bi-weekly special train service is available. Train No. 01431 departs from Pune every Tuesday and Friday at 6:40 am, with operations running from February 24 to March 6. The train is scheduled to reach Ghazipur City by 7:05 pm on the following day. The return service, Train No. 01432, will leave Ghazipur City every Thursday and Sunday at 4:20 am, beginning February 26 and concluding on March 8. Passengers on the return leg can expect to arrive back in Pune by 4:20 pm on the same day. These trains are designated to run as 'Special Trains' until March 1 and then continue as 'Holi Specials' from March 3 to March 8, facilitating festive travel.
Pune to Hazrat Nizamuddin
Central Railway is also operating a weekly special train from Pune to Hazrat Nizamuddin. Train No. 01491 departs Pune every Friday at 5:30 pm, with scheduled runs on February 27 and March 6. The arrival at Hazrat Nizamuddin is expected by 8:00 pm on the next day. The return service, Train No. 01492, departs Hazrat Nizamuddin every Saturday at 9:25 pm, specifically on February 28 and March 7, reaching Pune by 11:55 pm on the subsequent day. Key intermediate stops for this service include Lonavala, Kalyan, Bhiwandi Road, Vasai Road, Vapi, Surat, Vadodara, Ratlam, Kota, Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur, and Mathura Junction. These trains will operate as 'Special Trains' on February 27–28 and as 'Holi Specials' on March 6–7.
Pune to Nagpur Services
Two weekly special train services are being introduced for travelers heading to Nagpur from Pune. Train No. 01469 departs Pune every Tuesday at 3:50 pm on February 24 and March 3, arriving in Nagpur by 6:30 am the next day. Its return counterpart, Train No. 01470, leaves Nagpur every Wednesday at 8:00 am on February 25 and March 4, reaching Pune by 11:30 pm on the same day. An additional weekly service, Train No. 01457, departs Pune every Wednesday at 3:50 pm on February 25 and March 4, arriving in Nagpur at 6:30 am the following morning. The return service for this train, Train No. 01458, departs Nagpur every Thursday at 8:00 am on February 26 and March 5, arriving in Pune by 11:30 pm the same day. Both services include halts at Uruli, Daund Chord Line, Ahilyanagar, Belapur, Kopergaon, Manmad, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Malkapur, Shegaon, Akola, Badnera, Dhamangaon, and Wardha, with designated dates for 'Special Trains' and 'Holi Specials'.
Booking Your Tickets
Securing your seats on these special festive trains is straightforward. Bookings for all Pune-originating trains opened on February 18. Passengers can make reservations through multiple convenient channels, including the computerized reservation centers, the official IRCTC website, and the RailOne mobile application. For those preferring unreserved travel, tickets for unreserved coaches can be purchased with normal fares via the UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System). It is advisable for travelers to book their tickets in advance to ensure smooth and confirmed travel arrangements for their Holi celebrations.
