Indian Railways and local district administrations have finalized comprehensive arrangements for the Shravani Mela 2026, a sacred pilgrimage event expected to attract a massive influx of devotees. The mela is scheduled to commence on July 30, 2026, spanning a 65-day period through the holy months of Shravan and Bhadrapada, with several special train services running until September 12. To ensure a seamless travel experience, authorities have introduced over 26 pairs of special trains, bolstered security protocols, and doubled passenger amenities at key transit hubs including Deoghar, Basukinath, and Sultanpur.
Key highlights of the railway arrangements include:
- 56 special train trips (28 round trips) between Ranchi and Bhagalpur via the Koderma-Tilaiya route.
- Weekly special services between Danapur and Sahibganj operating every Sunday in August.
- A daily unreserved Shravani Mela Special running between Badhni and Deoghar from July 28 to August 30.
- Temporary two-minute halts for 22 pairs of trains at Mahadevshal Dham station from July 30 to August 28.
- Deployment of 350-400 RPF personnel and the installation of AI-based crowd control cameras at Sultanpur station.
Enhanced Connectivity and Passenger Facilities
To accommodate the high footfall, Indian Railways is extending the operations of the Jhansi-Asansol and Sarai Garh-Deoghar express trains. Passengers traveling through Jasidih will benefit from a new 80,000 sq ft holding area designed to manage crowd density effectively. Furthermore, the railway has doubled the availability of free toilet and bathing facilities at major stations to improve hygiene and comfort. For those seeking a faster transit, a dedicated “Sheeghra Darshanam” route priced at ₹600 will be trialed starting July 20, aimed at saving pilgrims approximately 30 minutes of travel time.
Strict Security and Administrative Oversight
Security remains a top priority, with 24-hour CCTV surveillance active across all pilgrimage-bound stations. The district administration has ramped up its presence by deploying 69 DSPs and three additional IPS officers in Deoghar to oversee traffic and crowd management. Additionally, two new ticket counters have been opened at Baidyanathdham to reduce wait times. Local authorities in Banka and Bhagalpur are also coordinating closely with the railways to ensure that drinking water, lighting, and safe walking paths are fully operational by the end of July, ensuring a peaceful and safe pilgrimage for all devotees.