To assist the thousands of devotees travelling for the auspicious Shravani Mela, the East Central Railway has announced a new special train service connecting Patna and Islampur. Starting from July 26, 2026, these additional services are aimed at managing the surge in passenger traffic and ensuring a smoother journey for pilgrims visiting during this holy period.
Key details of the special train service include:
- Train 03297 (Patna-Islampur) will operate from July 26, 2026, to September 29, 2026, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
- Train 03298 (Islampur-Patna) will operate from July 27, 2026, to September 30, 2026, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- The service will complete a total of 29 trips throughout the operational duration.
- The train will utilize the rake of the Indore-Patna Express (19313/14 and 19321/22).
Schedule and Route Details
For travellers planning their commute, Train 03297 is scheduled to depart from Patna Junction at 4:10 PM and will reach its destination in Islampur by 7:00 PM. On its return journey, Train 03298 will depart from Islampur at 7:45 AM, arriving back at Patna Junction at 11:00 AM.
To ensure connectivity for local commuters and pilgrims, the train will make scheduled stops at several key stations, including Rajendra Nagar, Patna Sahib, Fatuha, Daniyawan Bazar Halt, Hilsa, and Ekangarsarai.
This initiative by the East Central Railway is a significant step toward accommodating the increased demand during the Shravani Mela. Passengers are advised to check the official IRCTC website or keep an eye on station notifications for any last-minute schedule changes or booking requirements. By utilizing the existing rake of the Indore-Patna Express, the railway aims to provide a reliable and consistent service for those travelling between the capital and Islampur.