Railway launches additional special Vande Bharat trains between Delhi and Patna for the holidays

Good news for passengers looking for train tickets for their trip home for Diwali and Chhath Puja. Given the increasing congestion of regular trains from Delhi to Bihar during the holidays, the railway has launched a special Vande Bharat festival train between New Delhi and Patna. Ticket sales for this train have already started, and passengers can check seat availability according to their travel date.

This train will start running on October 16, 2026, and will make 18 round trips.

This special railway train has been launched to serve the additional flow of passengers during Diwali and Chhath. The special Vande Bharat train, with 16 coaches, will cover a distance of approximately 994 kilometers between New Delhi and Patna in about 13 hours. This provides passengers traveling to Bihar for the festival with another option besides regular trains.

Ticket sales for the special Vande Bharat New Delhi-Patna train are open. Passengers can check ticket availability by selecting the date and class of service. Since demand for tickets can change rapidly during the holidays, it is crucial to check seat availability for the corresponding date before booking. Tickets can be viewed through railway and IRCTC booking channels.

The fare for the AC Chair Car with meals is set at ₹2,615. Traveling in the Executive Chair Car will cost ₹4,695. When booking a ticket, you must select the meal option; if you do not select it, the ticket price may be slightly lower.

The special Vande Bharat number is 02252. It will depart from New Delhi railway station at 8:35 AM and arrive at Patna station at 9:30 PM the same day. The journey duration of approximately 13 hours allows passengers to travel during the day and arrive in Patna in the evening.

The Vande Bharat New Delhi-Patna train will stop at intermediate stations Aligarh, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Junction, Buxar, and Ara. Passengers from these stations can also benefit from this special train.

The return train number 02251 will depart from Patna railway station at 10:00 AM and arrive in New Delhi at 11:30 PM. This train will stop at the stations Ara, Buxar, Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Junction, Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, and Aligarh.

The train from New Delhi to Patna will run on October 16 and 18. After that, it will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from October 21 to November 25. The return journey from Patna will be operated on October 17 and 19. Then, it will run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from October 22 to November 26.

If you are planning a trip from Delhi to Bihar for Diwali or Chhath, be sure to check ticket availability and fares after determining your travel date. Trains from Delhi to Patna and from Patna to Delhi run on different days, so when planning the return journey, you must also study the schedule. Seats can run out quickly during the holidays, so it is recommended to book tickets in advance as soon as possible.

Due to the festivals of Diwali and Chhath, when passengers plan to return home, there has been an issue with obtaining tickets for regular trains, and air travel has proven too expensive. To assist passengers, the Western Central Railway has announced the launch of special trains on various routes.

These additional trains provide the opportunity to travel from cities such as Bhopal, Rewa, Katni, Satna, and Jabalpur to towns like Danapur, Delhi, and Hardiwara. Passengers preparing to return home for the holidays are advised to check the numbers, dates, and schedules of these trains before purchasing tickets.

Rani Kamalapati-Danapur Special Train

For passengers traveling from Rani Kamalapati station in Bihar to Danapur, two special trains are operating. Train number 01667 will run from October 12 to November 16, 2026. It departs from Rani Kamalapati at 14:25 and arrives in Danapur the next day at 9:15. Train number 01668 will operate from October 13 to November 17, 2026. It departs from Rani Kamalapati at 11:20 and arrives in Danapur the next day at 10:50. Danapur is one of the major railway hubs in Bihar, and passengers can choose these trains depending on ticket availability.

Rewa-Rani Kamalapati Special Train

Special trains have also been organized for passengers traveling between Rewa and Bhopal. Train number 02192 will run on October 17 and 24, as well as November 7 and 14. It departs from Rewa at 12:30 and arrives in Rani Kamalapati at 21:15. Train number 02191 will perform the return journey on the same dates, departing at 22:15 and arriving in Rewa the next day at 7:20.

Daily Katni-Satna Special Train

An additional service has been provided for those traveling between Katni and Satna. Train number 09015 will run daily from October 10 to October 22, departing from Katni at 5:45 and arriving in Satna at 8:45. Train number 09016 will operate daily from October 10 to October 22, departing from Satna at 18:30 and arriving in Katni at 20:50.

Rewa-Dr Ambedkar Nagar Special Train

A special train has also been launched between Rewa and Dr Ambedkar Nagar. Train number 01704 will run every Sunday starting from October 25, and train number 01703 will operate the return journey every Monday starting from October 26. Before using this service, it is necessary to check the schedule and ticket status for the relevant date.

Somnath-Danapur Special Train

A special train has been arranged for passengers heading to Bihar between Somnath and Danapur. Train number 09823 will depart every Saturday from October 10 to November 14 at 23:10. Train number 09824 will perform the return journey every week from October 12 to November 16 at 1:15. This service may be an additional option for those wishing to travel on this route.

Trains from Jabalpur to Delhi and Hardiwara

Passengers traveling from Jabalpur to Delhi and Hardiwara can also use special trains. The Jabalpur-Delhi Special Train number 01707 will run every Saturday from October 17 to November 14, and train number 01708 will perform the return journey every Sunday from October 18 to November 15. For the Jabalpur-Hardiwara route, Special Train number 01703 will run every Thursday from October 22 to November 19, and train number 01704 will run every Friday from October 23 to November 20.

Demand for tickets is very high during the festive season. Therefore, even after the information about special trains becomes available, it is crucial to check seat availability for the desired travel date. These special trains can provide passengers with additional options for returning home for the holidays. However, obtaining a ticket depends on seat availability, so it is best to check the information regarding the date and route in advance rather than waiting until the last moment.

Given the large number of passengers returning to Bihar for Diwali and Chhath, the railway has prepared special measures. The Eastern Central Railway is organizing temporary waiting zones at 15 major railway stations in Bihar starting November 3. Approximately one hundred thousand passengers will be accommodated daily here so that they do not encounter crowds and disorder while waiting for the train. Special measures will be taken at Patna Junction, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, and Patliputra Junction stations, where approximately 10 thousand passengers will be accommodated at each station.

Amenities in Waiting Zones

In the temporary zones created by the railway, various facilities will be organized for passenger convenience. Displays with train status information, loudspeakers, clean drinking water, and seating will be available. Additionally, considering passenger needs, medical posts will be set up.

Safety First: 24/7 Operation of the Operational Headquarters

The operational headquarters will work in 24/7 mode during the holiday period.

The new Vande Bharat Chair Car from Indian Railways has successfully completed a trial run on the Mathura-Nagada section at a speed of 180 km/h. This 16-car train was manufactured at the RCF railway factory in Kapurthala, Punjab.

According to the Ministry of Railways, this test was conducted on October 8, 2026, under the observation of the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS). The operational capability, safety, and performance of the train equipped with an advanced power unit were tested, marking an important stage in the modernization of India's railway production.

It is important to note that the completion of the 180 km/h speed tests does not mean the train will operate at this speed during regular passenger services. Currently, the Vande Bharat will travel at speeds ranging from 130 to 160 km/h, but reaching 180 km/h is planned for the future.

The new Vande Bharat train is equipped with comfortable seats that have a reclining function, providing ample legroom. It is also fitted with large windows that ensure a good view of the external landscape and lighting. Furthermore, it includes toilets with a zero-discharge bio-vacuum system, which prevents waste emission.

The train composition includes automatic sliding doors and a smooth suspension system that minimizes the sensation of jolts and vibrations. The air-conditioned coaches are designed to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the journey, adjusting it based on the number of passengers.

Special toilets designed for wheelchair users are provided for passengers with disabilities. Special attention is paid to cleanliness, and staff are present in every coach to provide any necessary assistance.