Northern Railway has decided to run special trains between Gondia Junction and Chhapra Junction to manage the extra rush during the Holi festival in 2026. This new service will help passengers who are struggling to get confirmed seats in regular trains. The railway administration has planned two trips for these trains to ensure people can reach their homes comfortably during the festive season.
What are the Dates and Timings?
The special trains will operate in the first week of March. Train number 08863 departs from Gondia on March 1, while train number 08865 leaves on March 2. For the return journey, the trains will leave Chhapra on March 3 and March 4. Below is the detailed schedule for these services.
| Train No. | Route | Departure Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08863 | Gondia to Chhapra | March 1, 2026 | 17:00 |
| 08864 | Chhapra to Gondia | March 3, 2026 | 04:45 |
| 08865 | Gondia to Chhapra | March 2, 2026 | 17:00 |
| 08866 | Chhapra to Gondia | March 4, 2026 | 04:45 |
Route Stops and Booking Rules
These trains will stop at several major stations to serve passengers from different regions. The main stoppages include Durg, Raipur, Uslapur, Pendra Road, Anuppur, Katni, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Varanasi, and Ballia. The rake composition includes AC 2 Tier, AC 3 Tier, Sleeper, and General coaches.
Passengers should be aware that these trains run on special fares, which are usually 10% to 30% higher than normal ticket prices. Also, under the new strict rules, at least one passenger on the PNR must carry an original ID proof during the journey. You can book your tickets now through the IRCTC website or the mobile app.