Indian Railways is set to introduce a special Vande Bharat Express service between New Delhi and Patna to accommodate the expected rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja in 2026. The 16-coach Vande Bharat Festival Special will begin operations on October 16, offering additional travel options for passengers heading to Bihar during the festive season.
The train will operate 18 round trips across October and November, according to the information provided by East Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Saraswati Chandra. The service will connect major stations, including Aligarh, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction and Buxar.
The journey from New Delhi to Patna is scheduled to take approximately 12 hours and 55 minutes based on the listed departure and arrival times. The stated ticket prices are ₹2,615 for AC seating and ₹4,695 for executive seating.
Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Festival Special: Train Numbers and Dates
The special service will operate under two train numbers, with separate schedules for each direction.
Train No. 02252: New Delhi to Patna
The first departure is scheduled for October 16, 2026. Regular services are listed for Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from October 21 to November 25, 2026.
Train No. 02251: Patna to New Delhi
The initial departures are scheduled for October 17 and 19, 2026. Regular services are listed for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from October 22 to November 26, 2026.
Passengers should check the official railway timetable for the exact operating dates before planning their journeys.
New Delhi to Patna Vande Bharat Train Timings
According to the provided schedule, train number 02252 will depart New Delhi at 8:35 AM and stop at the following stations:
| Station | Scheduled time |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 8:35 AM departure |
| Aligarh | 10:21 AM |
| Kanpur Central | 1:30 PM |
| Prayagraj | 3:45 PM |
| Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction | 6:00 PM |
| Buxar | 7:26 PM |
| Ara | 8:10 PM |
| Patna Junction | 9:30 PM arrival |
These timings follow the details supplied for the service. Passengers should confirm the final timetable through official railway sources.
Patna to New Delhi Vande Bharat Train Timings
Train number 02251 is scheduled to leave Patna Junction at 10:00 AM for its return journey to New Delhi.
The listed timings for the route are as follows:
| Station | Scheduled time |
|---|---|
| Patna Junction | 10:00 AM departure |
| Buxar | 10:38 AM |
| Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Junction | 11:25 AM |
| Prayagraj | 1:10 PM |
| Kanpur Central | 3:35 PM |
| Aligarh | 5:50 PM |
| New Delhi | 11:30 PM arrival |
The timings above have been arranged from the information provided and should be verified against the official railway schedule before travel.
Vande Bharat Festival Special: Ticket Prices and Travel Benefits
The reported ticket prices for the Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Festival Special are ₹2,615 for AC seating and ₹4,695 for executive seating. The additional service is intended to provide more travel capacity when regular trains experience heavy demand during Diwali and Chhath Puja.
With stops at several important stations along the route, the special train is expected to offer another option for passengers travelling between the national capital and Bihar. Travellers should check seat availability, fares and confirmed departure details through official railway booking channels.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the railway service details provided for informational purposes. Train schedules, operating dates, fares and seat availability may change. Passengers should verify all details through official Indian Railways announcements or authorised booking platforms before making travel arrangements. The listed timings should not be treated as final until confirmed by the railway authorities.