New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special: 20 Coaches for Chhath Puja!
Northern Railway increases New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special to 20 coaches to handle the massive Chhath Puja passenger surge.
Northern Railway has announced a major capacity boost for the New Delhi–Patna Vande Bharat Festival Special Express to accommodate the massive surge of passengers traveling for the upcoming Chhath Puja festivities.
In a strategic move to provide relief to travelers, the train, which previously operated with a 16-coach configuration, will now run with a total of 20 coaches. This expansion effectively adds four extra coaches to the service, significantly increasing the number of available seats for commuters during this high-demand period.
Updated Schedule for Expanded Service
The upgraded 20-coach arrangement will be implemented according to the following dates:
- From New Delhi (Train No. 02252): The expanded service will commence on November 9, 2026.
- From Patna Junction (Train No. 02251): The return journey with the additional coaches will begin on November 10, 2026.
Managing the Festive Passenger Surge
The decision to increase the coach count was made by railway officials to specifically address the heavy passenger demand seen during the Chhath Puja season. By increasing the capacity, the Northern Railway aims to:
- Manage heavy traffic: Better handle the influx of people traveling home for the festival.
- Improve seat availability: Increase the chances of passengers securing confirmed tickets.
- Enhance passenger comfort: Provide a smoother and less crowded experience for those returning to their hometowns.
This proactive step is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of travelers moving between the national capital and Bihar, ensuring a more efficient journey during one of the year's busiest travel windows.