The Delhi Patna Vande Bharat festival special now runs with 20 coaches instead of 16, according to a report published on 7 November. The longer train left New Delhi on 9 November. It leaves Patna Junction on 10 November, so more seats are on offer in the last weeks of the special.
Quick answer
- Trains: 02252 (New Delhi to Patna Junction) and 02251 (Patna Junction to New Delhi).
- Change: 20 coaches instead of 16, from 9 November (Delhi) and 10 November (Patna).
- Days: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from Delhi; Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from Patna.
- Timings: 8:35 am to 9:30 pm from Delhi; 10:00 am to 11:30 pm from Patna.
- Fare: about ₹2,575 to ₹2,600 in AC chair car and ₹4,650 to ₹4,680 in executive, with meals.
Delhi Patna Vande Bharat timings and stops
According to Business Today, the train covers about 994 km in close to 13 hours. It halts at Aligarh, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Buxar and Ara Junction.
| Train | Route | Departs | Arrives | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02252 | New Delhi to Patna Junction | 8:35 am | 9:30 pm | Mon, Wed, Sat, until 25 November |
| 02251 | Patna Junction to New Delhi | 10:00 am | 11:30 pm | Tue, Thu, Sun, until 26 November |
These timings were published in October. Therefore, confirm them on the IRCTC app or the National Train Enquiry System before you travel.
Why the extra coaches matter
A 20 coach train carries more passengers per trip. So more people can get confirmed seats in the festival rush. However, the report does not say how many seats were added in each class. Check live availability in the IRCTC app instead of assuming a fixed number.
Other special trains for Bihar
The same report lists two more services. Train 07007 leaves Charlapalli on Wednesdays at 15:15. It reaches Raxaul at 05:55 on Friday and runs on 11, 18 and 25 November. Then train 07008 leaves Raxaul on Fridays at 19:15. It reaches Charlapalli at 10:00 on Sunday and runs on 13, 20 and 27 November.
Meanwhile, train 04513 leaves Purnia at 06:50 on 9 and 13 November. It reaches Chandigarh at 14:45 the next day. For earlier festival services, see our list of Northern Railway special trains.
How to book the festival special
You can book on the IRCTC website, the IRCTC app or at reservation counters. Because festival trains fill fast, it helps to know how early you can reserve. Our guide to the advance reservation period explains the window.
FAQ
Is the Delhi Patna Vande Bharat special running with 20 coaches?
Yes, according to the 7 November report. Trains 02252 and 02251 now run with 20 coaches instead of 16. The change applies from 9 November in Delhi and 10 November in Patna.
How long does the Delhi to Patna Vande Bharat take?
The journey takes about 13 hours for roughly 994 km. Business Today puts it at 12 hours 55 minutes.
Until when does the festival special run?
The published schedule runs until 25 November from New Delhi and 26 November from Patna. Check IRCTC in case the railways extend it.
