To manage the massive influx of pilgrims traveling to the holy city of Deoghar for the Shravani Mela, Indian Railways has announced the launch of five additional pairs of special trains. These services are designed to ensure seamless connectivity for devotees visiting the sacred Baba Baidyanath Temple and surrounding religious sites. With this latest addition, the total count of special trains catering to the festival has reached 12 pairs, ensuring that travelers across various regions have reliable transport options throughout the peak season.
Key highlights of the new service expansion include:
- Introduction of five new pairs of special trains to manage pilgrim crowds.
- Key routes include Basukinath to Patna, Basukinath to Gorakhpur, Asansol to Gorakhpur, and Madhupur to Narkatiaganj.
- Specific services like the 03563 Basukinath-Patna Special and 03567 Madhupur-Narkatiaganj Special are set to run in late August.
- Extension of existing services including the Gaya-Madhupur and Gaya-DDU specials until August 28, 2026.
Enhanced Connectivity for Pilgrims
The East Central Railway is spearheading these operations to support the Shravani Mela, which officially commenced on July 30, 2026. By deploying these additional coaches and services, the railways aim to reduce congestion on regular routes while providing a comfortable journey for devotees. The 05028/05027 Barhni-Deoghar-Barhni special continues to be a vital link, serving passengers traveling through the Barauni and Begusarai corridors with convenient early morning arrivals.
Extended Services for Peak Season
Recognizing the high demand that extends well into September, railway officials have taken proactive steps to extend the tenure of several existing special trains. By keeping the Gaya-Madhupur and Gaya-DDU special trains operational until August 28, 2026, the administration is prioritizing passenger convenience during the busiest phase of the festival. Pilgrims are advised to check the official IRCTC website or the NTES app for real-time schedule updates, as these special services are crucial for maintaining order and efficiency during the Shravani Mela period.