Diwali-Chhath Vande Bharat Special Train 2026: Delhi to Patna in 13 Hours, Check Route, Schedule and Ticket Fare

Vande Bharat Special Train 2026: Indian Railways has reportedly announced a special Vande Bharat train service between Delhi and Patna to accommodate increased passenger demand during the Diwali and Chhath festival season. According to an October 14, 2026 report, the train is scheduled to begin operations on October 16 and run three days a week. The service is expected to complete the Delhi–Patna journey in approximately 13 hours, offering another travel option for passengers heading to Bihar and cities in Uttar Pradesh.

Delhi–Patna Vande Bharat Special Train to Start October 16

Diwali and Chhath are among the busiest travel periods for passengers travelling from Delhi and surrounding regions to eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

During the festive season, demand for confirmed railway tickets often increases substantially as students, employees and families return to their hometowns.

To address this additional demand, Indian Railways is reportedly introducing a Vande Bharat special service on the Delhi–Patna route.

According to the report, the train will begin running on October 16, 2026.

The service is planned to operate three days a week, although passengers should verify the exact operating days before booking.

The proposed journey time of approximately 13 hours could make the service an attractive option for travellers who want to reach Patna without an overnight journey extending into the following day.

Vande Bharat Special Train 2026: Important Details

The supplied news excerpt does not specify the train number, complete timetable or confirmed ticket prices.

Delhi–Patna Vande Bharat Special Train Timings

The full report provides the following departure and arrival timings for both directions.

The train is expected to cover approximately 994 kilometres between New Delhi and Patna.

The report identifies 02251 as the Patna-to-New Delhi return service. Passengers should confirm the corresponding outward train number when booking.

Vande Bharat Special Train Operating Days

The report provides the following service dates:

• New Delhi to Patna: October 16 and 18, followed by scheduled services through November 25, 2026.

• Patna to New Delhi: October 17 and 19, followed by services from October 22 through November 26, 2026.

The report also mentions a regular three-day weekly schedule, but its stated weekdays do not fully align with the dates listed. Passengers should therefore rely on the date-specific timetable shown by IRCTC.

Delhi to Patna Vande Bharat Special Train Route

The reported route includes several important railway stations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

New Delhi

1. Aligarh Junction

2. Kanpur Central

3. Prayagraj

4. Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction

5. Buxar

6. Ara Junction

Patna Junction

These stations make the service relevant not only to Bihar-bound passengers but also to travellers visiting major cities in Uttar Pradesh.

Vande Bharat Special Train Ticket Fare 2026

The report provides estimated fares for the two seating classes.

The actual fare may vary depending on the booking details and meal selection.

Passengers should check the final payable amount displayed during reservation.

When Will Ticket Booking Start?

According to the report, ticket booking is scheduled to begin on October 15, 2026.

Travellers can use the official IRCTC website, the IRCTC mobile application or authorized railway reservation counters.

To book online, passengers should enter their boarding station, destination and travel date, select the appropriate service, check seat availability and complete the payment process.

Since the train is being introduced for the festival travel period, passengers may face substantial demand for seats.

Booking early may improve the chances of securing a preferred travel date, although confirmed availability cannot be guaranteed.

Why Is This Special Train Important for Diwali and Chhath?

Every year, the festival season creates significant travel demand on routes connecting Delhi with eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Regular trains may develop long waiting lists, especially on dates immediately preceding major celebrations.

A 16-coach Vande Bharat special service provides an additional option for passengers looking for a daytime journey.

The report states that the service is expected to complete 18 trips in each direction.

Its relatively fast travel time and seating arrangements may appeal to families and working professionals who prefer reaching their destination on the same day.

However, travellers should compare ticket prices, departure times and seat availability with other available trains before booking.

Important Advice for Passengers

Passengers planning to use the Delhi–Patna Vande Bharat special should verify the train number and exact operating date before making payment.

This is especially important because the published report contains some inconsistencies between its individual dates and stated weekly operating pattern.

Travellers should also check the boarding station, meal preference, cancellation conditions and final fare.

Railway schedules may be revised, so the confirmed reservation details should be treated as the primary reference.

Conclusion

The Delhi–Patna Vande Bharat special train is reportedly scheduled to begin operating on October 16, 2026, offering an approximately 13-hour journey during the Diwali and Chhath travel season.

The service is expected to operate three days a week, with estimated AC Chair Car fares starting around ₹2,575 and Executive Chair Car fares around ₹4,650, including meals.

Passengers should verify the exact travel dates, train numbers, fares and seat availability through IRCTC before finalizing their journey.