To assist the thousands of devotees travelling for the annual Shravani Mela, the Eastern Railway zone has announced a comprehensive plan to operate special train services between Ranchi and Bhagalpur. These trains are scheduled to run from late July through mid-September 2026 to manage the surge in passenger traffic during the holy month. While the official booking dates are yet to be finalised, passengers are advised to keep a close watch on the IRCTC portal for updates.
- Service Period: July 26 to September 12, 2026.
- Train Routes: Two distinct pairs of special trains will operate via different routes.
- Coach Composition: Services will include General, Second Class, Sleeper, and AC coaches.
- Key Destinations: Major stops include Sultanganj, Jamalpur, and Koderma.
Details of Train Schedules
The railway administration is launching two pairs of special trains to ensure seamless connectivity for pilgrims. Train No. 08690 (Ranchi-Bhagalpur) will run on Sundays and Wednesdays from July 26 to September 9, while its return service, Train No. 08689 (Bhagalpur-Ranchi), will operate on Mondays and Thursdays from July 27 to September 10. This route will pass through Rajabera, Muri, Bokaro Steel City, Koderma, Kiul, and Jamalpur.
Additionally, Train No. 08646 (Ranchi-Bhagalpur) will depart on Mondays and Fridays between July 27 and September 11. The return service, Train No. 08645 (Bhagalpur-Ranchi), is scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays from July 28 to September 12. This second route will travel via Barkakana, with primary halts including Hazaribagh Town, Koderma, Kiul, and Jamalpur.
Important Information for Pilgrims
For pilgrims heading to the holy site, Sultanganj, Jamalpur, and Abhaypur have been designated as critical stops. The trains are being configured with a mix of AC, Sleeper, and General coaches to accommodate passengers with varying travel preferences. Although special train fares often differ from standard mail and express services, the official fare structure will be released alongside the opening of ticket bookings. Passengers are encouraged to check the Indian Railways website or mobile app regularly to avoid last-minute booking hassles as the Mela season approaches.