Indian Railways is preparing to introduce changes to its Passenger Name Record (PNR) number series as part of efforts to improve ticketing operations and modernise railway systems. The revised system will retain the existing 10-digit PNR format, but new numbers may begin with 1, 3, 5 or 7.
The rollout is expected to be completed across scheduled trains by the third week of December 2026. According to the information provided, the changes will affect several premium and express services, including Vande Bharat, Gatiman, Shatabdi and Taj Express trains.
Which Trains Will Be Affected by the New PNR System?
The proposed PNR number series update will cover several major train services, including:
- Gatiman Express
- Khajuraho
- Vande Bharat Express
- Taj Express
- Shatabdi Express
- New Delhi Intercity Express
- AP Express
- Kerala Express
- Tamil Nadu Express
Under the revised arrangement, the PNR will continue to have 10 digits, although the starting digit may differ from the existing series. The changes are intended to support a more efficient and technologically advanced railway ticketing system.
What Will Change for Railway Passengers?
The proposed update concerns the PNR number series rather than the overall train service or booking process. According to the information provided, train numbers, timetables, coach arrangements and ticket booking procedures will remain unchanged.
Passengers who have already booked their tickets will not need to take any additional steps, as their existing tickets will remain valid.
The revised system is expected to be implemented across scheduled trains by the third week of December 2026. Passengers should follow official Indian Railways announcements for confirmation of the rollout and any further instructions.
Special Vande Bharat Express for Diwali and Chhath
Separately, Indian Railways has planned a special 16-coach Vande Bharat Express between New Delhi and Patna to accommodate passenger demand during Diwali and the Chhath festival.
According to the supplied schedule, the train services will operate as follows:
- Train No. 02252: New Delhi to Patna on October 16 and 18.
- Train No. 02251: Patna to New Delhi on October 17 and 19.
From October 21 to November 26, the special service is scheduled to operate three days a week.
The additional service is intended to provide more travel options for passengers travelling between Delhi and Patna during the festive period. Passengers should check the official railway timetable for the operating days and other journey details before booking.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the information provided about the proposed PNR series changes and special Vande Bharat services. The implementation schedule, train operations and service dates should be verified through official Indian Railways notifications and the NTES platform. Railway schedules may change, so passengers should confirm the latest details before travelling.