Bhubaneswar-Patna Vande Bharat special train for Diwali-Chhath urged amid rush

As the festive season reaches its peak ahead of Diwali, travel demand between eastern India and the national capital has surged, prompting calls for a special Vande Bharat Express between Bhubaneswar and Patna to manage the Diwali-Chhath rush.

The suggestion comes from many, not long after Indian Railways announced two Vande Bharat Express specials between New Delhi and Patna from October 11 to November 17, aimed at easing the burden on passengers struggling to secure tickets during the festival period.

Bhubaneswar-Delhi Route Seen As High-Potential Corridor

Frequent travellers from Odisha have urged that a similar model be implemented for the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi corridor, which witnesses comparable festive pressure.

Thousands of students, professionals, and migrant workers residing in the capital region who travel home during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath often find it difficult to get confirmed berths.

A Bhubaneswar–Delhi Vande Bharat service, they argue, could not only mirror the Patna model but also strengthen eastern India’s high-speed connectivity network, offering faster, safer, and more comfortable options during peak demand.

It is worthwhile to mention that the Indian Railways has already announced a special Puri-Patna train in view of the festive rush. Reportedly, all Bhubaneswar-Patna route trains are fully booked.

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Railways’ Festive Push For Bihar And Uttar Pradesh

Responding to the seasonal surge, Indian Railways has deployed two pairs of Vande Bharat Express specials, 02252/02251 and 02254/02253, on the New Delhi–Patna route.

As per reports, both sets will make 16 round trips during the one-month period. Train 02252 will depart from New Delhi every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, while its return leg (02251) will operate from Patna every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

The second pair, 02253/02254, will follow a matching schedule to maximise passenger capacity. Each train will cover the route in about 13 hours, halting at major junctions such as Aligarh, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Buxar, and Ara before reaching Patna Junction at 9:30 PM.

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Reports have stated that the Chair Car fare has been fixed at Rs 2,595, while Executive Class tickets will reportedly cost Rs 4,675, inclusive of meal services. Passengers will be served tea, snacks, and meals onboard, in keeping with the Vande Bharat Express’s premium standards.