SECR Special Trains for Dongargarh Navratri Mela 2026
To facilitate a smooth and hassle-free journey for devotees, the South East Central Railway (SECR) has announced a series of special transport arrangements for the upcoming Dongargarh Navratri Mela. As thousands of pilgrims prepare to visit the sacred Maa Bamleshwari Temple, the railway administration has stepped up measures to manage the expected surge in passenger traffic.
The special arrangements are scheduled to be in place from October 11 to October 20, 2026. These measures aim to ensure that pilgrims can reach their destinations efficiently during this significant ten-day festival.
Temporary Stoppages for Express Trains
In a major move to boost connectivity, SECR has sanctioned temporary halts at Dongargarh station for ten prominent express trains. This will allow pilgrims to board or alight directly at the station nearest to the temple. The trains included in this special arrangement are:
- Bilaspur-Bhagat Ki Kothi Express (20843/20844)
- Bilaspur-Bikaner Express (20845/20846)
- Bilaspur-Chennai Express (12851/12852)
- Bilaspur-Pune Express (12849/12850)
- Secunderabad-Raipur Express (12771/12772)
For travelers using the Bilaspur-Bhagat Ki Kothi Express, specific timings have been set to ensure quick turnaround. The 20843 Bilaspur-Bhagat Ki Kothi Express is scheduled to arrive at Dongargarh at 9:56 PM and depart at 9:58 PM. On the return leg, the 20844 Bhagat Ki Kothi-Bilaspur Express will arrive at 5:40 AM and depart at 5:42 AM.
Enhanced MEMU Services and New Specials
Recognizing the need for local connectivity, the railway has also modified existing MEMU passenger services and introduced new ones to cater to the festive rush.
Key updates to MEMU services include:
- Gondia-Durg-Gondia MEMU (6874