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If you are planning to travel by Meerut Metro or Namo Bharat on Holi this year, you will need to plan around a late start. On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, both services will not be running until 5:00 PM. Once they start, trains will run as normal until 10:00 PM that night.
So anyone looking to step out after the colours have dried and the celebrations have wound down will still have the option to travel, but the morning and afternoon window will be completely closed.
Why the delayed startThe decision to hold off services until the evening is tied to the Holi festival itself. Holi celebrations typically run through the morning and afternoon, and keeping train services suspended during that time helps manage safety and operations on what is one of the busiest and most chaotic days of the year in the region.
Normal timings on every other day
For anyone who does not already know, both Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro now run seven days a week, including Sundays. Regular services operate from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. The Holi schedule is a one-day exception and things go back to normal from March 5 onwards.
Travel rush expected around Holi
The Holi period traditionally sees a big spike in travel across North India. People head from cities like Delhi and Mumbai back to their home states, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. This year is expected to be no different, with passenger numbers likely to surge in the days leading up to and just after the festival.
Railways gearing up for the rushIndian Railways is already preparing for the seasonal crush. Special Holi trains are being introduced on key routes to handle the overflow, and additional coaches are being added to existing services. AC special trains and unreserved options are also being made available to give travellers more choices across different budgets.
If booking trends continue to show high demand, more special trains could be announced before the festival week hits.
Tips for travellers
Anyone planning to travel during this period should keep a few things in mind. Checking seat availability early is a good idea since waitlists tend to grow fast around festivals. The NTES app can help track real-time train status. If your preferred date is fully booked, looking at a day before or after can sometimes open up better options without the long waitlist headache.
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