To assist the thousands of devotees travelling to Basukinath Dham and Baba Baidyanath Dham for the auspicious Shravani Mela, Eastern Railway has rolled out a comprehensive plan featuring multiple unreserved special trains. These services are strategically scheduled throughout August 2026 to manage the heavy footfall during the second and third Mondays of the holy month, specifically covering August 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25.
Key highlights of the Shravani Mela rail operations include:
- Introduction of dedicated special trains like 03563/03564 and 03565/03566 connecting Basukinath and Patna.
- Daily MEMU special services between Jasidih and Basukinath running until August 30, 2026.
- Operation of 03567/03568 Madhupur-Narkatiaganj-Madhupur special trains.
- Establishment of a 24×7 integrated command and control center at Jasidih station.
- Provision for 60 additional Train-on-Demand (TOD) services based on real-time passenger requirements.
Detailed Train Schedules and Connectivity
The 03563 Basukinath-Patna Shravani Mela Special is set to depart from Basukinath at 4:45 PM on August 10, 17, and 24. Its return leg, the 03564 Patna-Basukinath Special, will depart Patna at 1:20 AM on August 11, 18, and 25. These trains are designed to provide seamless connectivity with key stops including Ghormara, Mohanpur, Deoghar, Jasidih, and Simultala. Furthermore, to provide consistent support, the railway is running 33 trips of daily Jasidih-Basukinath-Jasidih MEMU specials from July 29 through August 30, 2026.
Safety and Passenger Convenience
The Asansol Division has taken proactive steps to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. Beyond running trains, the railway has expanded Shravani Mela pandals at various stations to provide shelter and resting areas for devotees. To maintain strict oversight of the operations, a dedicated war room has been set up at the Divisional Railway Manager’s office in Asansol.
Railway officials have urged all passengers to stay updated regarding schedule changes or additional train announcements. Pilgrims can access detailed timings by visiting the official Indian Railways website at www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in, calling the helpline number 139, or by checking the NTES mobile app. With the deployment of 60 potential Train-on-Demand (TOD) services, the authorities are well-prepared to handle sudden spikes in passenger numbers to ensure a smooth journey for all devotees.