Vande Bharat Specials: New Delhi to Patna for Diwali 2026
Northern Railway announces Vande Bharat Festival Specials between New Delhi and Patna for Diwali 2026. Check schedules and 20-coach rake details here.
Northern Railway has announced a major boost to festive travel connectivity. To manage the massive passenger rush expected during the Diwali 2026 and Chhath Puja season, the railway has approved two pairs of Vande Bharat Festival Special trains operating between New Delhi and Patna.
Full Schedule of Vande Bharat Festival Specials
These special services are scheduled to operate in November 2026. Below are the specific departure and arrival details for the upcoming festive runs:
- Train 02258 (New Delhi to Patna): Departs New Delhi on November 11, 2026, at 05:00 AM and arrives in Patna at 06:30 PM.
- Train 02257 (Patna to New Delhi): Departs Patna on November 12, 2026, at 08:00 AM and reaches New Delhi at 09:30 PM.
- Train 02436 (New Delhi to Patna): Departs New Delhi on November 13, 2026, at 08:35 AM and arrives in Patna at 09:30 PM.
- Train 02435 (Patna to New Delhi): Departs Patna on November 14, 2026, at 08:00 AM and arrives in New Delhi at 09:30 PM.
Increased Capacity with 20-Coach Rakes
In a significant move to accommodate the high demand during the peak festive period, Northern Railway will deploy 20-coach rakes for these special services. This is an upgrade from the standard 16-coach configuration typically used for Vande Bharat trains, providing more seating capacity for travelers heading home for the holidays.
Key Stoppages and Route Details
The Vande Bharat Festival Special trains will serve several important junctions along the route. All scheduled services will observe identical stoppages at the following stations:
- Aligarh Junction
- Kanpur Central
- Prayagraj Junction
- Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction
- Buxar
- Ara
How to Check Seat Availability and Timings
Passengers planning to travel during the Diwali and Chhath Puja season are encouraged to verify real-time seat availability and potential schedule updates through official channels. You can use the following resources:
- The official IRCTC portal for booking and availability.
- The National Train Enquiry System (NTES) application for live tracking.
- The dedicated railway helpline at 139 for direct assistance.