Patna Vande Bharat festival special 02252/02251: timings, days
New Delhi to Patna festival special Vande Bharat 02252 and 02251: departure times, halts, reported running days into late November, and how to confirm.
TrainLiveStatus Desk · Updated · 3 min read
According to Global Governance News, a festival special Vande Bharat pair runs between New Delhi and Patna, trains 02252 and 02251, for the Diwali and Chhath rush. The report says the trains have 16 coaches and 18 trips each way. We could not find an official Northern Railway, East Central Railway or PIB notice, so treat every detail here as reported, not confirmed. The running days are the part to check, because reports differ on some dates and on the final day of service.
Timings for 02252 and 02251
As reported by Global Governance News, 02252 leaves New Delhi at 8:35 am and reaches Patna at 9:30 pm. The return, 02251, leaves Patna at 10:00 am and reaches New Delhi at 11:30 pm. That is about 13 to 13.5 hours each way on the reported timings.
| Train | From | Departs | To | Arrives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02252 | New Delhi | 8:35 am | Patna | 9:30 pm |
| 02251 | Patna | 10:00 am | New Delhi | 11:30 pm |
Halts on the route
The report lists the same halts for both trains: Aligarh, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Buxar and Ara. Reported halt times for 02252 are Aligarh 10:21 am, Kanpur Central 1:30 pm, Prayagraj 3:45 pm, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction 6:00 pm, Buxar 7:26 pm and Ara 8:10 pm.
If you are boarding or leaving at an intermediate halt, match the time to the train's halt sequence on the day. The halt times above come from the report, not from our live data. The report gives halt times for 02252 only and says 02251 has the same halts. Some timetable listings show the return train under a different number, which is another reason to check NTES or IRCTC.
Running days, and where the reports differ
The report says 02252 first ran on 16 October and runs on 18 October, then on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 21 October to 25 November. It says 02251 runs on 17 and 19 October, then on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 22 October to 26 November.
Our train database does not yet include 02252 or 02251, so you will not find live running status for these trains on our site. Use NTES for live status during the journey, and call 139 for railway help on the way.
Stations to use
Both ends of the route are served by major stations. You can check the boards at New Delhi (NDLS) and Patna Junction (PNBE). For New Delhi, the platform and gate layout matters because of the crowds in festival season, so the New Delhi station platform guide helps before you arrive.
Fares and booking
Global Governance News reports fares from about Rs 2,615 for these trains. Treat that as an early report and check the fare for your class and date when you book, because fares can differ by class and by date.
Some rules that apply to every reserved train also apply here:
- Advance reservation opens 60 days before the journey, not counting the journey day.
- Only Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC users can book general reserved tickets online on the day booking opens.
- Trains leaving between 05:00 and 14:00 get the first reservation chart by 20:00 on the previous night, at least 10 hours before departure. For the 8:35 am departure from New Delhi, check your status the evening before.
Before you travel: a short checklist
- Confirm the running day for 02252 or 02251 on NTES or IRCTC for your exact travel date.
- Check the halt where you board or get off, and note the reported time.
- Check the reservation chart status the evening before a morning departure.
- Save 139 in your phone for railway help during the journey.
For a wider view of festival trains and rush planning, see special trains for festivals in 2026, the Diwali 2026 booking calendar for Bihar travel and the Delhi to Patna delays this month.
Where is your train right now?
Live position, expected arrival at every stop and the delay history of the last few weeks.
When can you book your ticket?
Uses the 60-day advance booking window (journey day not counted) and the Tatkal opening times (10:00 AC, 11:00 non-AC, one day before). On the day booking opens, only Aadhaar-verified IRCTC users can book online between 08:00 and midnight. Check IRCTC if a rule changes.
Use it on your trip
Frequently asked questions
Which days does the New Delhi to Patna festival special 02252 run?
The report says 02252 runs on 18 October 2026, then on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 21 October to 25 November. Reports differ on some of these days and on the end date, so confirm on NTES or IRCTC for your travel date.
How long does the Vande Bharat festival special take from New Delhi to Patna?
On the reported timings, 02252 leaves New Delhi at 8:35 am and reaches Patna at 9:30 pm, about 13 hours (the return takes about 13.5 hours). The return 02251 leaves Patna at 10:00 am and reaches New Delhi at 11:30 pm.
Which stations does the festival special stop at?
The report lists Aligarh, Kanpur Central, Prayagraj, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Buxar and Ara as halts for both trains. Check the halt times on NTES before you board at any of them.
Where can I confirm the running days and live status for 02252?
Use NTES for live running status and IRCTC for the running days and bookings for your date. Our train pages do not yet cover 02252 or 02251, so NTES is the place to check during the journey. For help on the train, call 139.
Sources
Rules and fares change. Check the official source before you travel. Last reviewed 17 October 2026.
