New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special Gets 20 Coaches
Northern Railway expands New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Festival Special to 20 coaches to manage Chhath Puja rush from November 9, 2026.
Northern Railway has announced a major capacity boost for passengers traveling between the national capital and Bihar. To manage the massive surge in passenger traffic expected during the Chhath Puja season, the New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Festival Special Express (02252/02251) is being expanded to accommodate more travelers.
More Seats for Chhath Puja Commuters
Recognizing the heavy demand from passengers commuting between the Delhi-NCR region and Patna during the festive period, railway officials have decided to upgrade the train's rake configuration. The service, which was previously operating with 16 coaches, will now feature 20 coaches. This decision is aimed at increasing the availability of confirmed seats and providing much-needed relief to travelers heading home for the festival.
Implementation and Schedule
The enhanced 20-coach service will follow a specific rollout schedule to ensure smooth operations:
- From New Delhi: The upgraded service will commence operations starting November 9, 2026.
- From Patna Junction: The revised configuration will be implemented for the return journey starting November 10, 2026.
This capacity enhancement is a critical part of the special railway operations deployed to handle the seasonal volume of passengers. By adding extra coaches to this premium festival special, Northern Railway aims to ensure a more efficient and comfortable journey for thousands of devotees and families during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.