Shravani Mela 2026: The Shravani Mela, held during the holy month of Shravan, is considered one of the country’s major religious events. Every year, hundreds of thousands of devotees undertake a pilgrimage on foot from Sultanganj in Bihar to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, carrying holy water from the Ganges (*Gangajal*) to perform *Jalabhishek* (ritual offering of water) to Lord Shiva. During this period, a vast number of devotees travel from various states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.
To facilitate this massive influx of devotees and ensure a smooth journey, Indian Railways has made special arrangements for the Shravani Mela 2026. The Railways has decided to operate 12 pairs of special trains for the devotees. Additionally, extra stoppages have been provided for several express trains at Sultanganj railway station to ensure that *Kanwariyas* (pilgrims) and other travellers do not face any inconvenience during their journey. Let us look at the details of the facilities introduced by the Railways and identify which travellers will benefit the most.
Special arrangements by Railways for Shravani Mela 2026
It is worth noting that hundreds of thousands of devotees arrive at Sultanganj daily during the Shravani Mela. Given the sheer volume of passengers, the Railways operates additional trains every year. This year too, a special plan has been devised to facilitate travel, under which 12 pairs of ‘Mela Special’ trains will be run. Furthermore, extra rail services will be introduced on several key routes. Major express trains will be scheduled to stop at Sultanganj station, and the frequency of MEMU passenger trains has also been increased. Additionally, extra railway staff will be deployed to manage the crowds.
12 pairs of ‘Mela Special’ trains to operate
The Railways has announced that a total of 12 pairs of Shravani Mela Special trains will operate between various states and major cities. These trains will specifically run on routes from where a large number of devotees embark on their pilgrimage to Baba Baidyanath Dham.
Which routes will the special trains cover?
The major routes on which the Railways is operating special trains include Jaynagar–Asansol, Raxaul–Deoghar, Danapur–Sahibganj, and Ranchi–Bhagalpur. Additionally, special train services may be operated on other routes based on demand. These special trains will directly benefit lakhs of pilgrims from Bihar, Jharkhand, and neighbouring states.
How long will these special trains operate?
According to the Railways, not all special trains will run simultaneously throughout the entire season; specific operational periods have been set for different trains. They are scheduled to run on specific dates through July 2026, August 2026, and—for some trains—September 2026. Passengers are advised to verify their train’s date and time before travelling.
Three pairs of extra MEMU special trains will also run
The Asansol Division has made special arrangements to facilitate local passengers and *Kanwariyas* (pilgrims) during the Shravani Mela. The Railways has decided to operate three pairs of additional MEMU passenger special trains from July 29, 2026, to August 29, 2026. These trains aim to provide convenience to passengers travelling between smaller stations.
Additional stoppage at Sultanganj station
Sultanganj station experiences the heaviest passenger rush during the Shravani Mela. Consequently, the Railways has decided to provide additional stoppages for several important express trains at this station, thereby greatly facilitating pilgrims’ journeys.
Which trains have been granted additional stoppages?
The Railways has approved additional stoppages at Sultanganj station for the following major trains: the Malda Town–Anand Vihar Express (Train Nos. 13429 and 13430). This train is considered vital for passengers travelling between Bihar, West Bengal, and Delhi.
Additionally, the Ajmer–Bhagalpur Express (Train No. 13424) has also been included. The additional halt for this train will prove to be a major relief for passengers from Rajasthan and Bihar.
The Kamakhya–Gaya Express (Train Nos. 15619 and 15620) will directly benefit pilgrims travelling between Northeast India and Bihar.
What are the benefits of the additional halt?
The extra stop at Sultanganj station will allow more pilgrims to disembark directly, thereby easing crowd congestion. It eliminates the need for passengers to get off at other stations and continue their journey, making the journey more comfortable and saving time.
Why does the crowd swell during the Shravani Mela every year?
The Shravani Mela is one of the most significant religious events dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this period, pilgrims collect holy water from the Ganges at Sultanganj and undertake a *Kanwar Yatra* (pilgrimage on foot) covering several kilometres to perform *Jalabhishek* (ritual offering of water) at the Baba Baidyanath Dham. This pilgrimage holds immense religious significance during the month of Shravan, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees every year.
What should passengers do before the journey?
If you are planning to visit the Shravani Mela, please keep a few things in mind, including checking your train timings well in advance. If the train requires a reservation, book your ticket early. Given the expected crowds, arrive at the station ahead of schedule and carry your identity proof and ticket. Additionally, adhere to the guidelines issued by the Railways and exercise caution when travelling with the elderly and children.
Railway’s Appeal
The Railways has appealed to passengers not to crowd the platforms unnecessarily and to adhere to safety regulations. Furthermore, passengers are advised against attempting to board or alight from moving trains. For any information, passengers may rely on official railway announcements and help desks.
Conclusion
In view of the 2026 Shravani Mela, Indian Railways has made special arrangements for the convenience of pilgrims. The operation of 12 pairs of ‘Mela Special’ trains, the introduction of 3 pairs of additional MEMU special trains (running from July 29 to August 29, 2026), and the provision of additional stoppages at Sultanganj station for major trains—such as the Malda Town–Anand Vihar Express (13429/13430), Ajmer–Bhagalpur Express (13424), and Kamakhya–Gaya Express (15619/15620)—will prove to be a significant relief for passengers.