Patna: Indian Railways has announced the operation of 12 pairs of special trains for Shravani Mela 2026, including the Danapur–Sahibganj Shravani Mela Special, to accommodate the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the annual pilgrimage. Railway officials said the additional services are intended to improve connectivity for lakhs of devotees travelling to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar.
The special trains will operate on multiple routes between July 28 and September 30, depending on the service, with schedules designed to support pilgrims, including Kanwariyas, visiting one of eastern India’s most significant religious destinations.
Why The Railways Has Added Special Services
According to railway officials, passenger numbers rise sharply during the Shravani Mela each year as devotees from Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and neighbouring states travel to Deoghar to offer holy water at Baba Baidyanath Temple.
The additional services are expected to reduce congestion on regular trains and provide more travel options throughout the fair.
Raghopur–Deoghar Daily Special
Train No. 05573 Raghopur–Deoghar Special will run daily from July 28 to August 31, departing Raghopur at 2:50 am and reaching Deoghar at 11:20 am.
Its return service, Train No. 05574 Deoghar–Raghopur Special, will also run daily during the same period, leaving Deoghar at 11:35 am and arriving in Raghopur at 10:50 pm.
Danapur–Sahibganj Shravani Mela Special
The Train No. 03236/03235 Danapur–Sahibganj–Danapur Shravani Mela Special will operate every Sunday from August 2 to August 30.
Railway officials said the service has been introduced to facilitate travel for pilgrims from Bihar heading towards the Shravani Mela route.
Patna–Islampur Special Services
Train No. 03297 Patna–Islampur Special will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from July 26 to September 29. It will depart Patna Junction at 4:10 pm and reach Islampur at 7:00 pm.
The return service, Train No. 03298 Islampur–Patna Special, will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Mondays from July 27 to September 30, departing Islampur at 7:45 am and arriving at Patna Junction at 11:00 am.
Howrah–Natesar Shravani Mela Special
Train No. 03001 Howrah–Natesar Special will run on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays from July 5 to September 29. It will leave Howrah at 11:50 pm and arrive at Natesar at 12:00 pm the following day.
The return service, Train No. 03002 Natesar–Howrah Special, will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from July 6 to September 30, departing Natesar at 1:00 pm and reaching Howrah at 4:30 am the next day.
Asansol–Patna Mela Special
Train No. 03511 Asansol–Patna Mela Special will operate daily from July 29 to August 29, leaving Asansol at 5:00 pm and arriving at Patna Junction at 2:30 am the next day.
The return service, Train No. 03512 Patna–Asansol Special, will run daily from July 30 to August 30, departing Patna Junction at 3:30 am and reaching Asansol at 1:00 pm.
Raxaul–Deoghar Special To Connect North Bihar
Train No. 05545/05546 Raxaul–Deoghar–Raxaul Special will run on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays from July 31 to August 30.
The train will depart Raxaul at 12:30 am and reach Deoghar at 5:05 pm the same day. On the return journey, it will leave Deoghar at 6:05 pm and arrive in Raxaul at 11:40 am the following day.
What It Means For Pilgrims
Railway officials said the additional services have been planned to manage the seasonal increase in passenger traffic during Shravani Mela 2026. The special trains are expected to improve access to Deoghar, reduce overcrowding on existing services and provide greater convenience for devotees travelling to Baba Baidyanath Dham.
The Railways is expected to continue monitoring passenger demand during the festival and make operational adjustments where necessary to ensure smoother travel for pilgrims.
