Indian Railways has announced the extension of the Madhupur-Itwari Shravani Mela Special train to manage the heavy influx of pilgrims traveling for the Shravani Mela. This move aims to provide devotees heading to the Baba Baidyanath Dham temple in Deoghar with more travel options and a better chance at securing confirmed berths. The extension adds two more round trips to the service, bringing the total number of seasonal trips to seven.
- Train 08895 (Itwari to Madhupur) will run on August 18 and 25, 2026.
- Train 08896 (Madhupur to Itwari) will run on August 19 and 26, 2026.
- The train consists of 20 ICF coaches, featuring Sleeper, Third AC, and General class accommodations.
- The route continues to connect key regions in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh to Jharkhand via major hubs like Dhanbad and Bokaro.
Details on Scheduling and Bookings
Railway authorities have clarified that there are no changes to the existing timings or station halts for these additional services. The train continues to serve as a vital link for Kanwariyas, ensuring that the surge in pilgrim traffic is handled efficiently without disrupting regular passenger operations.
Passengers planning to travel on these dates are advised to book their tickets early to avoid last-minute rush. Tickets can be purchased through the official IRCTC website, at computerized reservation centers, or via PRS counters across the railway network.
For those seeking real-time information, Indian Railways recommends using the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or visiting the official Indian Railways website. Alternatively, passengers can dial the railway helpline number 139 for any queries related to schedules, current status, or station stoppages. By providing these extra trips, the national transporter aims to ensure a smoother and more comfortable pilgrimage experience for thousands of devotees traveling to Deoghar this season.