To alleviate the heavy passenger rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja, Indian Railways has announced a special Vande Bharat service connecting New Delhi and Patna. This 16-coach festival special will run 18 trips in each direction, offering a much-needed travel option for those heading home to Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
First Service and Schedule Details
The New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special (train number 02252) will commence its inaugural journey from New Delhi on October 16, 2026. Additional services from New Delhi are scheduled for October 18, followed by regular runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from October 21 to November 25, 2026.
For the return leg, the Patna-New Delhi Vande Bharat Special (train number 02251) will depart from Patna on October 17 and 19. Subsequently, it will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from October 22 to November 26, 2026. The entire journey between the two cities is expected to take approximately 12 hours and 55 minutes, covering a distance of 994 kilometers.
Departure and Arrival Timings
- From New Delhi (02252): Departs at 8:35 AM, arrives at Patna Junction at 9:30 PM.
- From Patna (02251): Departs at 10:00 AM, arrives at New Delhi at 11:30 PM.
Route and Halts
The special Vande Bharat train will traverse a route with several key stops to serve a broader passenger base. These include Aligarh, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Buxar, and Ara Junction. This route is strategically designed to benefit travelers from western and central Uttar Pradesh, as well as various regions of Bihar.
Ticket Fares and Booking Information
Booking for the Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special will open on October 15, 2026. Passengers can reserve their seats via the IRCTC website, the official mobile app, or at railway reservation counters. Given the anticipated high demand during the festival season, travelers are strongly advised to book early to secure confirmed tickets.
Estimated fares, which include meal options, are as follows:
- AC Chair Car: Approximately ₹2,575 to ₹2,600.
- Executive Chair Car: Approximately ₹4,650 to ₹4,680.
Passengers will have the option to select or omit meals during the booking process, which may slightly adjust the final fare. This festive service aims to provide a faster and more comfortable travel alternative during one of the busiest periods for Indian Railways.