To assist the heavy influx of pilgrims traveling to Baba Baidyanath Dham for the auspicious Shravani Mela, the South East Central Railway (SECR) has officially decided to increase the frequency of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Itwari-Madhupur Shravani Special train. Initially planned for five trips, the service has now been upgraded to a bi-weekly operation, providing a total of seven trips in both directions to accommodate the seasonal travel demand.
- Train frequency increased from five to seven trips total.
- New services added for August 18, 19, 25, and 26.
- Train operates with 20 ICF coaches including AC-III, sleeper, and general classes.
- Stoppages and timings remain unchanged as per the existing schedule.
Revised Schedule and Operations
Under this revised plan, train number 08895 from Itwari to Madhupur is now scheduled to depart on August 18 and August 25. For the return journey, train number 08896 from Madhupur to Itwari will operate on August 19 and August 26. Railway officials have clarified that the train will strictly maintain its previously notified timings and designated stoppages, ensuring no confusion for passengers who have already planned their itineraries.
Comfort for Pilgrims
The train is composed of 20 ICF coaches, offering a mix of AC-III, sleeper, and general class seating. This configuration is specifically designed to provide comfortable and affordable travel options for devotees traveling from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and neighboring regions. The Nagpur Division of the SECR has stated that this decision was prioritized to ensure that pilgrims have access to confirmed berths during the peak festival rush.
As the Shravani Mela attracts a massive number of devotees to Deoghar, travelers are strongly advised to utilize this additional capacity. Passengers should complete their bookings through the official IRCTC website or at railway counters in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience and ensure a smooth journey to the holy destination.