Western Railway introduces weekly special train between Indore and Pune's Khadki to manage festive rush; complete schedule inside
In a significant move to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Holi festival, the Ratlam Division of Western Railway has announced a Indore Khadki Holi special train that will operate for four weeks starting March. Bookings for this festive service will commence on February 27, offering much-needed connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Special Train to Address Holiday Rush
With Holi just around the corner, thousands of passengers traveling between Central India and Maharashtra can breathe easier. The Ratlam Division has introduced train numbers 09324/09323 Indore–Khadki–Indore Special, which will run on special fare structure to accommodate the festive season demand.
According to Mukesh Kumar, Public Relations Officer of Western Railway's Ratlam Division, the special service has been strategically planned to handle the extra crowd during Holi celebrations. "The train will feature a mix of AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, Sleeper Class, and General Second Class coaches to cater to diverse passenger preferences," Kumar confirmed.
Route and Stoppages: Enhanced Connectivity
The Western Railway special train will connect key cities and towns across Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. In both directions, the train will halt at:
- Dewas, Ujjain, Nagda, Ratlam (Madhya Pradesh)
- Godhra, Vadodara, Surat, Valsad, Vapi (Gujarat)
- Vasai Road, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan, Lonavala (Maharashtra)
These stoppages are expected to benefit passengers from smaller towns who often struggle with ticket availability during peak festival seasons.
Complete Schedule for Indore-Khadki Special
Down Journey: 09324 Indore to Khadki Special
- Operational Dates: Every Wednesday from March 4 to March 25, 2026
- Departure from Indore: 11:15 AM
- Arrival at Khadki: 2:50 AM (next day/Thursday)
- Major Stoppage Timings:
- Dewas: 11:50 AM to 11:52 AM
- Ujjain: 12:40 PM to 12:45 PM
- Nagda: 1:57 PM to 2:00 PM
- Ratlam: 2:35 PM to 2:40 PM
Return Journey: 09323 Khadki to Indore Special
- Operational Dates: Every Thursday from March 5 to March 26, 2026
- Departure from Khadki: 4:40 AM
- Arrival at Indore: 11:55 PM (same day)
- Major Stoppage Timings:
- Ratlam: 8:30 PM to 8:35 PM
- Nagda: 9:10 PM to 9:15 PM
- Ujjain: 10:05 PM to 10:07 PM
- Dewas: 11:00 PM to 11:02 PM
Booking Details: Act Fast for Holi Travel
Railway officials have confirmed that Holi train booking 2026 for Train No. 09324 (Indore to Khadki) will open on February 27, 2026. Passengers can book tickets through:
- All Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters
- IRCTC official website
Given the expected heavy demand during the festive period, railway authorities strongly advise passengers to complete their bookings early to avoid last-minute disappointment.
Why This Matters for Festive Travelers
This special train service addresses a critical connectivity gap between Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra during one of India's most widely celebrated festivals. For students, workers, and families traveling to their hometowns for Holi celebrations, the service provides a reliable and affordable travel option.
The timing of the announcement—just ahead of the booking opening date—allows passengers to plan their journeys well in advance. Additionally, the inclusion of multiple coach types ensures that travelers from different economic backgrounds can find suitable options.
Expert Take: Festival Special Trains as Lifelines
Transport analysts point out that festival special trains play a crucial role in India's railway ecosystem. "During major festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Eid, the regular train services are insufficient to handle the passenger load. These special trains not only ease congestion but also prevent overcrowding in regular services," notes a railway transportation expert.
The strategic stoppages at smaller stations like Dewas, Nagda, and Lonavala demonstrate the railway's commitment to serving passengers from non-metropolitan areas who often face connectivity challenges.
The Indore-Khadki Holi special train represents Western Railway's proactive approach to festival season travel management. With bookings opening February 27 and services commencing March 4, passengers have a clear window to secure their travel plans.
For the latest updates on train schedules, ticket availability, and festival special services, passengers are encouraged to follow official Western Railway social media handles and visit the IRCTC website regularly.
