The Patliputra-Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26501/26502) is facing challenges with low passenger numbers. Launched by PM Narendra Modi on June 20, 2025, the train started regular operations on June 22, 2025. Despite being a premium service, many seats remain empty on a daily basis.
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Why are seats remaining empty in Patliputra Vande Bharat?
The train consists of 8 coaches with a total of 602 seats. Reports indicate that around 100 to 150 seats in the Chair Car (CC) and 20 to 30 seats in the Executive Chair Car (EC) remain vacant every day. This low occupancy is linked to high ticket prices and the availability of cheaper alternatives for short-distance travelers.
How does the fare and timing compare with other trains?
Passengers find the fares significantly higher than other express trains on the same route. Additionally, the train departs Patliputra at 3:30 PM, just 15 minutes before the Patna-Jaynagar train. Many passengers prefer the cheaper Jaynagar train for destinations like Hajipur and Muzaffarpur. The travel time difference compared to existing trains is also not very significant.
| Route Section | Chair Car (CC) Fare | Executive Chair Car (EC) Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Patliputra to Hajipur | ₹380 | ₹715 |
| Patliputra to Muzaffarpur | ₹440 | ₹840 |
| Gorakhpur to Patliputra | ₹925 | ₹1820 |
What is the official response and current status?
Saraswati Chandra, CPRO of East Central Railway, provided the fare details. Railway officials are now reviewing fares for Vande Bharat trains with low occupancy to make them more viable. Meanwhile, a modern coaching complex is being built at Patliputra for maintenance, and the station is being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the seating capacity of Patliputra Vande Bharat Express?
The train has 8 coaches in total. There are 7 Chair Car coaches with 546 seats and 1 Executive Chair Car coach with 56 seats.
Which stations are the main stoppages for this train?
The train stops at Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Bapudham Motihari, Sagauli, Bettiah, Narkatiaganj, Bagaha, and Kaptanganj.