To manage the significant surge in passenger traffic during the ongoing Shravani Mela, Indian Railways has announced an extension and restructuring of several special train services passing through Narkatiaganj. These operational adjustments are designed to ensure a smoother travel experience for pilgrims heading toward major religious destinations.
Key highlights of the service updates include:
• Dedicated special train services between Narkatiaganj and Madhupur Junction on August 11, 18, and 25, 2026.
• The introduction of a 22-coach unreserved train configuration to accommodate high demand.
• Extension of the 03565 Basukinath–Patna special service to Gorakhpur.
• Continued operation of the 03569 Basukinath–Gorakhpur and 03570 Gorakhpur–Madhupur special trains throughout August.
Enhanced Connectivity for Pilgrims
The special train service connecting **Narkatiaganj and Madhupur Junction** is a crucial addition for devotees. This train will traverse through key stations, including **Bettiah, Sugauli, and Muzaffarpur**. By deploying **22 unreserved coaches**, railway authorities aim to significantly reduce overcrowding and provide a more comfortable journey for those traveling to the Shravani Mela festivities.
Route Extensions and Schedule Updates
In addition to the Narkatiaganj services, the railways have adjusted the route for the **03565 Basukinath–Patna Shravani Mela Special**. For departures on **August 18 and 25**, this service will now be extended to **Gorakhpur**, with a scheduled arrival time of **3:30 AM** the following day. Furthermore, the **03569 Basukinath–Gorakhpur** and **03570 Gorakhpur–Madhupur** special trains will continue to operate on designated dates throughout the month of August to maintain steady connectivity for pilgrims.
These strategic moves by the railway authorities underscore a commitment to handling the peak pilgrimage season effectively. Passengers are advised to check the official IRCTC website or the NTES app for real-time status updates and to plan their travel well in advance to avoid last-minute inconvenience.