Vande Bharat Special: New Delhi-Patna Trains for Diwali & Chhath
Indian Railways is gearing up to tackle the massive festive rush by introducing 16-coach Vande Bharat Express special services between New Delhi and Patna. This move comes as a huge relief for travelers planning to visit home during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations.
According to Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the East Central Railway, these special festival trains will provide an additional 1,128 seats. This is a vital boost for migrant workers and families who often face massive waiting lists on regular routes during this time of year.
New Delhi to Patna: Train 02252 Schedule
The New Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Festival Special (Train No. 02252) is designed to get passengers to Bihar quickly and comfortably. The service will kick off with initial runs on October 16 and October 18, 2026.
- Regular Schedule: From October 21 through November 25, 2026, the train will operate every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Departure from New Delhi: 08:35 AM
- Arrival in Patna: 09:30 PM (Same day)
Patna to New Delhi: Train 02251 Schedule
For those traveling back to the capital, the Patna-New Delhi Vande Bharat Festival Special (Train No. 02251) will offer convenient timings. Initial runs are scheduled for October 17 and October 19, 2026.
- Regular Schedule: From October 22 to November 26, 2026, the train will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
- Departure from Patna: 10:00 AM
- Arrival in New Delhi: 11:30 PM (Same day)
Route and Key Stoppages
Spanning approximately 994 kilometers, the journey takes roughly 13 hours. The high-speed service will provide much-needed connectivity with scheduled stops at several major junctions:
- Aligarh
- Kanpur Central
- Prayagraj
- Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction
- Buxar
- Ara
These services are categorized as reserved trains, and passengers are encouraged to book their tickets well in advance to secure their seats during the festive season.