New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special: Festive Travel Boost!
Indian Railways launches New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Festival Special trains to manage Diwali and Chhath Puja rush until November 25.
Indian Railways has announced a significant boost for travelers heading home for the holidays. To manage the massive surge in passenger numbers during the Diwali and Chhath Puja festive season, the New Delhi–Patna Vande Bharat Festival Special (Train Nos. 02252/02251) has been introduced. This service will remain operational through November 25.
Detailed Schedule and Timings
The Vande Bharat Festival Special will operate on a tri-weekly schedule to ensure better connectivity between the national capital and Bihar. Here are the operational details:
- New Delhi to Patna (Train 02252): Departs New Delhi on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 08:35 AM, arriving in Patna at 09:30 PM.
- Patna to New Delhi (Train 02251): Departs Patna on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 10:00 AM, arriving in New Delhi at 11:30 PM.
Key Stops and Train Capacity
The 16-coach reserved service is designed to provide a comfortable journey for passengers. The train will make scheduled stops at several important junctions, including:
- Aligarh Junction
- Kanpur Central
- Prayagraj Junction
- Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (DDU)
- Buxar
- Ara
Strategic Deployment for Festive Rush
According to Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of East Central Railway (ECR), this Vande Bharat service is part of a much larger initiative. Indian Railways has deployed more than 100 pairs of special trains to handle the heavy festive traffic. This strategic move aims to reduce waiting lists and assist passengers traveling to their native regions for celebrations or returning to work after the holidays.
Important Safety Advisory for Passengers
Alongside the new train services, railway authorities have issued a strict safety advisory to ensure a smooth journey for all passengers. Travelers are urged to follow these guidelines:
- Stay Vigilant: Be cautious of theft and keep belongings secure.
- Food Safety: Avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers.
- Prohibited Items: Carrying flammable materials such as firecrackers, petrol, or diesel is strictly prohibited on board.