Indian Railways has unveiled a comprehensive plan to manage the massive influx of devotees traveling to Baba Baidyanath Dham and Sultanganj during the Shravani Mela 2026. To facilitate smooth and safe travel for pilgrims, the Ranchi Rail Division will operate two pairs of bi-weekly special trains connecting Ranchi and Bhagalpur. These services, totaling 56 trips, are scheduled to run between July 26 and September 12, 2026, providing much-needed relief to the expected surge in passenger traffic.
- Total Trips: 56 special services across two train pairs.
- Operational Window: July 26, 2026, to September 12, 2026.
- Key Destinations: Direct connectivity to Bhagalpur for pilgrims heading to Sultanganj.
- Coach Composition: General, Sleeper, and AC classes available.
Schedule and Route Details
The first service, Train No. 08690/08689, will run via Rajabera. Departing from Ranchi every Sunday and Wednesday from July 26 to September 9, the return journey from Bhagalpur will operate every Monday and Thursday from July 27 to September 10. This train will consist of 16 coaches.
The second service, Train No. 08646/08645, will travel via Barkakana. It will depart from Ranchi every Monday and Friday from July 27 to September 11, with return trips from Bhagalpur scheduled for every Tuesday and Saturday from July 28 to September 12. This service will be bolstered by 20 coaches to accommodate higher demand.
Important Halts and Passenger Facilities
According to Senior DCM Shreya Singh, the routes have been planned to cover major transit points for Kanwariyas. Key halts include Sultanganj, Jamalpur, Abhaypur, Muri, Bokaro Steel City, Hazaribagh Road, Koderma, Nawada, and Kiul.
Both pairs of trains are equipped with a mix of General Second Class, Sleeper, and AC coaches to cater to various passenger requirements. While the operational schedule is now public, railway authorities have confirmed that booking dates for these special services will be announced separately on official IRCTC platforms. Passengers are advised to keep an eye on the official website for ticket opening notifications to ensure their travel plans are secured in advance.