Ranchi: With nearly two weeks to go for Holi, the Railways has introduced a pair of special trains connecting Bhubaneswar and Dhanbad via Ranchi to manage the anticipated festive rush. Holi will be celebrated on March 3 and 4 this year.According to an official communiqué from the Ranchi railway division, special train numbers 02832/02831 Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad–Bhubaneswar via Ranchi have been introduced for the occasion. Train number 02832 (Bhubaneswar–Dhanbad) will run from Feb 28 to Mar 31, while 02831 (Dhanbad–Bhubaneswar) will operate from Mar 1 to Apr 1, the statement said.
Bookings for the special trains have already commenced. As of Monday evening, the waiting list for the Dhanbad-bound special stood at 69 in Sleeper Class, 41 in 3AC and 13 in 2AC, according to the IRCTC e-ticketing portal. Tickets for subsequent trips are also filling up quickly.In contrast, several trains connecting Ranchi with Bihar are yet to witness heavy bookings. Seats are still available on Ranchi Janshatabdi, Vande Bharat Express, Patliputra Express and Islampur–Hatia Express operating between Patna and Ranchi.Similarly, trains connecting Uttar Pradesh, including the Banaras–Ranchi Express and Vande Bharat Express, are yet to see a surge in reservations.Meanwhile, buses bound for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh from Ranchi are witnessing a steady rise in demand as the festival approaches.Mustaq Alam, a city-based travel agent, said enquiries have increased significantly.Airfares, however, are expected to rise sharply. On Mar 3, the day of Holi, ticket prices for flights between Ranchi and Patna are hovering around Rs 14,000. Similarly, fares for Ranchi-bound flights from cities in Uttar Pradesh are currently ranging between Rs 12,000 and Rs 15,000.
