Indian Railways has announced a sixteen-coach Vande Bharat Special between New Delhi and Patna before the Diwali and Chhath festivals. The service is intended to provide another travel option on a route where regular trains may have long waiting lists during the festive period.
The train is scheduled to cover roughly 994 kilometres in about 13 hours. Its first service from New Delhi is scheduled for 16 October 2026. The announced operating dates also include 18 October and the period from 21 October to 25 November 2026, with services listed for Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
The service will run in both directions, with 18 trips announced. The return service has been listed under train number 02251. It is scheduled to operate from Patna on 17 and 19 October, followed by services from 22 October to 26 November 2026 on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Timings and route
The New Delhi-bound departure from New Delhi is scheduled for morning 8:35, with arrival at Patna Junction at night 9:30. The journey time is listed as about 12 hours 55 minutes.
For the return journey, the train is scheduled to leave Patna at morning 10:00 and reach New Delhi at night 11:30. The route will pass through Aligarh, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Buxar and Ara Junction.
The scheduled arrival at Prayagraj on the Delhi-to-Patna journey is approximately afternoon 2:45. The route connects western and central Uttar Pradesh with Bihar and is relevant to passengers travelling home for the two festivals.
Fare and ticket booking
Booking for the Delhi-Patna Vande Bharat Special is scheduled to open on 15 October. The estimated AC Chair Car fare, including food, is expected to range from ₹2,575 to ₹2,600.
The estimated Executive Chair Car fare, also including food, is expected to be between ₹4,650 and ₹4,680. Passengers must select a food option while booking. The fare may be slightly lower if food is not selected.
Tickets will be available through the IRCTC website, the mobile app and railway reservation counters. The booking information is particularly relevant for passengers planning festive travel between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Conclusion
The announced Vande Bharat Special is scheduled to add a sixteen-coach option between New Delhi and Patna during the Diwali and Chhath travel period, with bookings beginning on 15 October and fares varying by class and food selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When will the New Delhi-to-Patna service begin?
The first service from New Delhi is scheduled for 16 October 2026.
Q. How long will the journey take?
The journey is listed as about 13 hours, with the total scheduled travel time given as 12 hours 55 minutes.
Q. Which stations are included on the route?
The route includes Aligarh, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Buxar and Ara Junction.
Q. When will ticket booking open?
Booking is scheduled to begin on 15 October.
Q. What is the estimated AC Chair Car fare?
The estimated fare, including food, is about ₹2,575 to ₹2,600.
Q. What is the estimated Executive Chair Car fare?
The estimated fare, including food, is about ₹4,650 to ₹4,680.
Q. Where can passengers book tickets?
Tickets can be booked through the IRCTC website, its mobile app and railway reservation counters.
