To facilitate the massive influx of pilgrims traveling for the annual Kanwar Mela, Northern Railway has announced a series of temporary service adjustments. Passengers planning their travel between July 30 and August 13, 2026, should note the following key updates:
- Train No. 14815 Sriganganagar-Rishikesh Express will now have 2-minute temporary halts at Raywala, Motichur, and Jwalapur stations.
- The temporary stoppages are effective from July 30, 2026, to August 13, 2026.
- Indian Railways is running five special trains, including three unreserved Kanwar Mela specials, to manage the pilgrim rush.
- Services for Delhi-Shamli-Delhi DMU (74022/74023) and Delhi-Saharanpur-Delhi MEMU (64557/64558) have been extended up to Haridwar.
- Enhanced security protocols are in place, including CCTV and drone surveillance, with a strict prohibition on carrying weapons.
Enhanced Rail Connectivity for Pilgrims
As the Kanwar Mela commences on July 30, 2026, Indian Railways is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Mahesh Yadav confirmed that these measures are part of a broader strategy to streamline crowd management. The coordination between the state governments of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh is central to this effort, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stressing that pilgrim safety, convenience, and dignity remain top priorities throughout the duration of the Yatra, which runs through late August.
Operational Changes and Safety Measures
Beyond the specific halts for the Sriganganagar-Rishikesh Express, the railway authorities are implementing significant operational modifications. Approximately 16 trains traversing the Haridwar, Dehradun, and Yog Nagari Rishikesh routes will see adjustments in their scheduled stoppages and timings. Furthermore, railway officials have confirmed that they are prepared to attach extra coaches to regular trains should the passenger demand exceed current capacity.
To ensure a smooth experience, special services are also connecting Yog Nagari Rishikesh to Delhi Shahdara and Alam Nagar. Passengers are advised to stay updated with the latest schedule changes via the official IRCTC website or the NTES app, as these temporary arrangements are specifically designed to handle the high-density travel period of the Kanwar Mela.