New Delhi-Patna Special Vande Bharat Launched for Festivals
Indian Railways has introduced a special Vande Bharat service operating between New Delhi and Patna, specifically designed to accommodate the heavy rush of passengers during the upcoming festive season. This new service is aimed at travelers heading home for the celebrations of Diwali and Chhath Puja.
Service Schedule and Frequency
The special service is scheduled to run twice a week. According to the official timings, the train will depart from New Delhi at approximately 8:00 a.m. and is expected to reach Patna between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on the same day.
Seating Classes and Fare Details
Passengers traveling on this route can choose between two different service classes:
- Chair Car: Available at a moderate fare.
- Executive Chair Car: Priced at ₹4,600 per passenger.
The pricing for the Executive Chair Car has noted some comparisons with existing services. For instance, the fare for a first-class ticket on the Rajdhani Express is approximately ₹4,000, which also includes the benefit of sleeping berths.
Travel Time and Competitive Alternatives
While the Vande Bharat brand is synonymous with high-speed travel in India, this special edition currently has a longer travel duration between New Delhi and Patna when compared to the Rajdhani Express.
Additionally, critics have pointed out the pricing structure, noting that for an additional ₹1,000 over the Executive Chair Car fare, many travelers might find flying between the two cities to be a more time-efficient and competitive alternative during the busy holiday period.