Patna: The Railways has announced the operation of four Shravani Mela Special trains between Bhagalpur and Ranchi to accommodate the expected increase in passenger traffic during the annual Shravani Mela. According to railway officials, the services will run between late July and mid-September and are intended to ease travel for pilgrims visiting Baba Baidyanath Dham, as well as other passengers.
The special trains will halt at Sultanganj, Jamalpur, and Abhaypur stations in both directions under the Eastern Railway zone. Sultanganj serves as a key starting point for many Kanwariyas undertaking the pilgrimage to Deoghar during the holy month of Shravan.
What the Railways Has Announced
According to the Railways, two pairs of bi-weekly special trains will operate between Ranchi and Bhagalpur on different routes, providing additional capacity during the pilgrimage season.
Railway officials said the trains will include General Second Class, Sleeper and Air-Conditioned (AC) coaches. The dates for ticket reservations will be announced separately.
Shravani Mela Special Train Schedule
Train No. 08690 Ranchi–Bhagalpur Bi-weekly Special
Runs: Every Sunday and Wednesday
Service period: July 26 to September 9
Departure: Ranchi – 5:40 PM
Arrival: Bhagalpur – 6:30 AM (next day)
Train No. 08689 Bhagalpur–Ranchi Special
Runs: Every Monday and Thursday
Service period: July 27 to September 10
Departure: Bhagalpur – 9:10 AM
Arrival: Ranchi – 10:20 PM
Route: Via Rajabera
Train No. 08646 Ranchi–Bhagalpur Bi-weekly Special
Runs: Every Monday and Friday
Service period: July 27 to September 11
Departure: Ranchi – 5:30 PM
Arrival: Bhagalpur – 6:30 AM (next day)
Train No. 08645 Bhagalpur–Ranchi Special
Runs: Every Tuesday and Saturday
Service period: July 28 to September 12
Departure: Bhagalpur – 9:10 AM
Arrival: Ranchi – 9:40 PM
Route: Via Barkakana
Why These Services Matter
The Shravani Mela is one of eastern India’s largest annual religious gatherings, drawing lakhs of pilgrims to Baba Baidyanath Dham in neighbouring Jharkhand. During the festival, stations such as Sultanganj experience a sharp rise in passenger numbers as devotees begin their pilgrimage by collecting water from the Ganga.
According to railway officials, the additional train services are intended to reduce congestion on regular trains and improve connectivity between Bihar and Jharkhand throughout the pilgrimage season.
The Railways said reservations for the special trains will open shortly, with booking dates to be announced separately. Passengers planning to travel during the Shravani Mela have been advised to check the reservation schedule before making travel arrangements.
