Delhi commuters planning to step out on Holi 2026 should take note of important changes in metro services across the National Capital Region (NCR). The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced revised operating hours for March 4, 2026, while the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has confirmed limited evening operations for both Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro services.
The special schedule has been put in place to accommodate Holi celebrations across Delhi-NCR while ensuring that essential travel needs are met later in the day.
Delhi Metro to begin services at 2:30 pm on Holi
According to DMRC’s official announcement, metro train services across all lines will not start in the morning on Holi, March 4, 2026. Instead, trains will commence operations from terminal stations at 2:30 pm.
Metro Train services to start at 2:30 PM on Holi (Wednesday, 04th March 2026) #DelhiMetro#Holipic.twitter.com/YHRH6pVIAr— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 2, 2026
This means that:
The temporary suspension during the first half of the day aligns with Holi traditions, as many residents participate in celebrations, family gatherings, and community events during the morning and early afternoon.
Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, especially those heading to railway stations, airports, offices, or intercity bus terminals.
Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro to run only from 5 pm to 10 pm
The NCRTC has also announced revised timings for the Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro corridors on March 4.
On Holi:
The decision ensures that those with urgent travel requirements in the evening can still rely on public transport, while allowing staff and commuters to observe the festival earlier in the day.
On all other days, including Sundays, both Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro operate on their regular schedule of 6 am to 10 pm.
What is Namo Bharat and why it matters for NCR commuters
Namo Bharat, developed under India’s Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), is designed to provide faster and more comfortable connectivity across key parts of the National Capital Region, including Delhi and Meerut. Along with the Meerut Metro, it significantly reduces travel time between major urban and semi-urban hubs.
The corridors connect important residential and commercial areas, offer high-speed regional transit, and help ease road congestion by providing a reliable alternative to private vehicles. The limited-hour operation on Holi is a one-day adjustment to accommodate festive celebrations while ensuring essential evening travel.
Why metro timings change on Holi
Holi, popularly known as the Festival of Colours, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Meerut. The morning hours are usually dedicated to community gatherings, family celebrations and traditional festivities, leading to a significant dip in regular commuter movement across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Public transport services, including metro operations, typically begin later in the day on Holi due to lower morning travel demand. Authorities also factor in public safety considerations, as large-scale celebrations often take place in residential colonies, public spaces and streets during the first half of the day.
Operational planning is another key reason behind the revised schedule. Managing staff deployment, security arrangements and crowd control during a major festival requires special coordination. By restarting services in the afternoon and evening, transport authorities aim to strike a balance between respecting cultural observances and ensuring essential travel needs are met conveniently and safely.
Advisory for commuters on March 4, 2026
Commuters travelling across Delhi-NCR on the occasion of Holi should carefully plan their journeys in view of the revised metro timings. Since services will not operate in the morning hours, passengers are advised to avoid scheduling early morning metro trips and instead reach stations only after the revised start time announced for the day.
Travellers should also check official updates from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) before leaving for their destinations to stay informed about any last-minute changes. Those heading to airports, railway stations, or for time-sensitive commitments are strongly encouraged to keep additional buffer time in hand to avoid inconvenience.
It is important to note that the revised metro schedule will be applicable only on March 4, 2026, on account of Holi. From March 5 onwards, all services will resume their regular operating hours.
Holi 2026 travel update at a glance
Delhi Metro: Services begin at 2:30 pm from terminal stations.
Namo Bharat & Meerut Metro: Operate from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Regular schedule (other days): 6 am to 10 pm.
With Holi celebrations set to bring colour and cheer across the capital region, commuters are encouraged to plan smartly and travel safely.
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