Indian Railways is taking proactive measures to manage the heavy holiday rush by running special train services through the Agra region from August 22 to August 31, 2026. Managed jointly by Northern Railway and North Central Railway, these festival specials are designed to ease passenger congestion and ensure smoother journeys for families celebrating the Raksha Bandhan festival. Here are the key details you need to know about the newly announced routes, train timings, and passenger safety arrangements.
- Jabalpur-Hazrat Nizamuddin Special (Train No. 01701/01702) operates via Agra Cantt with AC and Sleeper coaches.
- Kota-Hazrat Nizamuddin Special (Train Nos. 09803/09804) runs on multiple dates in late August with connectivity via Mathura.
- Subedarganj-Shakurbasti Special (Train Nos. 02275/02276) provides vital links stopping at Tundla and Aligarh.
- Enhanced security under Operation Meri Saheli is deployed for women passengers.
Jabalpur and Kota Festival Specials
To accommodate travellers heading towards the national capital, the Jabalpur-Hazrat Nizamuddin Raksha Bandhan Special (Train No. 01701/01702) has been introduced. Train No. 01701 departs Jabalpur Junction on August 29, 2026, at 8:20 PM, reaching Hazrat Nizamuddin at 2:25 PM the next day. The return service, Train No. 01702, leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin on August 30 at 3:45 PM and arrives in Jabalpur on August 31 at 9:30 AM. This train offers AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier, Sleeper, and General coaches, with scheduled halts at Agra Cantt, Katni Murwara, Damoh, Saugor, Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi, Gwalior, Dholpur, Mathura, and Kosi Kalan.
Additionally, the Kota-Hazrat Nizamuddin Special (Train Nos. 09803/09804) will operate for Kota departures on August 22, 24, and 26, and return journeys on August 23, 25, and 27, offering seamless connectivity to Agra via Mathura Junction. Furthermore, the Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi–Hazrat Nizamuddin Special (Train No. 01901/01902) will run two trips on August 27 and 28 with a designated stoppage at Agra Cantt.
North Central Railway Services and Safety Measures
Under the direction of CPRO Dr. Shivam Sharma, North Central Railway has planned services between August 25 and August 31, 2026. This includes Train Nos. 02275/02276 running between Subedarganj and Shakurbasti on August 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, and 31. Along with one-trip services like Train Nos. 04147/04148 and 04163/04164, these trains feature convenient stops at Tundla and Aligarh. Comprising 20 to 22 coaches, they offer ample capacity across AC, Sleeper, and General classes.
Passenger safety remains a top priority during the festive rush. Northern Railway is actively implementing ‘Operation Meri Saheli,’ deploying women RPF personnel at railway stations and onboard coaches to assist female travellers. Passengers are advised to book their tickets well in advance via the IRCTC website, mobile application, or reservation counters. For real-time updates, schedule verifications, and exact stoppage information, travellers should reach out to the RailMadad helpline at 139, check the NTES app, or visit official railway enquiry desks.