Haridwar/Dehradun: With Holi approaching on March 4, passengers in Uttarakhand are struggling to secure confirmed tickets on long-distance trains. The rush is particularly high on trains heading towards eastern states, such as the Kumbh Express and Rapti Ganga Express, where seats are already full.
The railway administration has not yet announced Holi special trains from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Laksar, leaving passengers disappointed. Residents of Haridwar and surrounding areas, many of whom belong to UP, Bihar and Bengal and work in industrial units around SIDCUL, usually travel home during festivals. Without confirmed tickets, many feared being stranded.
Relief from cancelled trains resuming
However, relief is expected as trains cancelled due to fog will resume operations in the last week of February and the first week of March. Sixteen trains had been cancelled between December 1, 2025, and February 2026, but their return will ease the rush during Holi.
Trains resuming service
Among the trains set to resume are:
Kathgodam–Jammu Tawi Garib Rath Express (Feb 24)
Jammu Tawi–Kathgodam Garib Rath Express (Feb 22)
Kolkata–Amritsar Akal Takht Express (Feb 22)
Amritsar–Kolkata Akal Takht Express (Feb 24)
Kolkata–Amritsar Durgiyana Express (Feb 21, 28)
Amritsar–Kolkata Durgiyana Express (Feb 23)
Barauni–Ambala Cantt Harihar Express (Feb 23)
Ambala Cantt–Barauni Harihar Express (Feb 24)
Yoganagari Rishikesh–Jammu Tawi Express (Feb 23)
Jammu Tawi–Yoganagari Rishikesh Express (Feb 22)
Lalkuan–Amritsar Weekly Express (Feb 21, 28)
Amritsar–Lalkuan Weekly Express (Feb 21, 28)
Howrah–Dehradun Upasana Express (Feb 24, 27)
Dehradun–Howrah Upasana Express (Feb 21, 25, 28)
Purnea Court–Amritsar Janseva Express (resumes March 3)
Amritsar–Purnea Court Janseva Express (resumes Feb 28)
Passenger expectations
Passengers had hoped for Holi specials, but the resumption of these trains is expected to reduce pressure on ticket bookings. While one or two Holi specials may run, they are unlikely to benefit residents of Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Laksar, and Roorkee. The restored trains, however, will provide significant relief.
The railway administration is under pressure to ensure smooth travel during Holi, especially for workers returning home to celebrate. With trains resuming service, passengers can expect some ease in ticket availability, though demand will remain high.