To assist the thousands of pilgrims traveling to Baba Baidyanath Dham, the East Central Railway has introduced a temporary two-minute halt for the Durg-Ara-Durg South Bihar Express at Manaktha Railway Station. This special arrangement is effective from July 30 to August 28, 2026, coinciding with the annual Shravani Mela period.
Key details of the stoppage:
- Train Numbers: 13287 (Durg-Ara South Bihar Express) and 13288 (Ara-Durg South Bihar Express).
- Duration: Two-minute temporary halt at Manaktha Station.
- Validity: From July 30, 2026, to August 28, 2026.
- Purpose: To facilitate convenience for pilgrims visiting Baba Dham during Shravani Mela.
Strategic Move for Pilgrim Convenience
This decision, spearheaded by the East Central Railway’s Danapur Division, is designed to manage the significant surge in passenger traffic that occurs during the auspicious month of Shravani. By providing a direct halt at Manaktha, the railway aims to reduce travel hurdles for devotees heading toward the holy shrines.
East Central Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Saraswati Chandra confirmed that the initiative is part of a broader effort to improve connectivity for religious travelers. With the Shravani Mela having officially commenced on July 30, 2026, the railway administration has ensured that these operational changes were implemented promptly. Reports from the ground confirm that the new stoppage schedule is currently active and functioning as planned for the thousands of passengers utilizing these services to reach their destination.
Passengers are advised to check the updated schedules via the official IRCTC website or the NTES app before planning their journey. This temporary relief is expected to significantly ease the commute for pilgrims throughout the month-long festivities.