New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Festival Specials Launched!
Northern Railway introduces special Vande Bharat services between New Delhi and Patna for Diwali 2026 and Chhath Puja to handle the festive rush.
Northern Railway has announced the introduction of special Vande Bharat festival services between New Delhi and Patna to accommodate the massive surge in passengers during the 2026 Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations.
Approved by the Railway Board, these special trains are designed to help commuters traveling to their hometowns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh during the peak festive season.
Two Pairs of Special Vande Bharat Trains
To ensure maximum availability, the railway has introduced two distinct pairs of services with different schedules:
- Train Pair 02252/02251: Operating from October 16 to November 26, 2026. This pair will run from New Delhi on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, and from Patna on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
- Train Pair 02254/02253: Operating from October 22 through late November 2026. This service will run six days a week, with the exception of Fridays.
Route, Stops, and Travel Time
Both services will follow the route via Kanpur and Prayagraj, offering a swift connection between the national capital and Bihar. The total journey time is expected to range between approximately 12 hours and 55 minutes and 13 hours and 30 minutes.
The special Vande Bharat trains will halt at the following six intermediate stations:
- Aligarh Junction
- Kanpur Central
- Prayagraj Junction
- Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction
- Buxar
- Ara
Premium Amenities and Festive Planning
Passengers can choose between AC Chair Car and Executive Chair Car accommodations for a comfortable journey. According to Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northern Railway, these Vande Bharat specials are part of a massive operation involving over 6,200 special train trips planned to manage the holiday rush.
Passengers are advised to check seat availability and specific timings through the official IRCTC portal before planning their journeys.