The Vande Bharat Express connecting Patliputra in Patna to Gorakhpur is struggling to find passengers. While Vande Bharat trains are usually known for speed and premium service, this specific route has become an exception. Passengers are skipping this train because it takes seven hours to cover the journey, while a regular express train completes the same trip in less than five hours. Due to the high fare and longer travel time, the train often runs with less than 50% occupancy.
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Why Passengers Prefer Regular Trains
The main reason for low passenger numbers is the difference in route and pricing. The Vande Bharat (Train No. 26501) does not take the direct path to Gorakhpur. Instead, it travels on a longer loop through North Bihar, touching stations like Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Motihari, and Bettiah. This increases the total distance to roughly 384 km. On the other hand, the Patliputra-Lucknow Express (15033) takes a direct route of about 244 km, making it much faster.
Price sensitivity is also a major factor. Travelers do not see value in paying ₹1,245 for a Chair Car seat to reach Gorakhpur in 7 hours, when they can travel in the same comfort for just ₹420 in the faster express train. Recent data from the railway booking system shows that hundreds of seats remain available in the Vande Bharat even on the day of departure.
Comparison: Vande Bharat vs Express Train
The following table highlights why passengers are choosing the regular express over the premium Vande Bharat on this specific route:
| Feature | Vande Bharat (26501) | PPTA LJN Express (15033) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 7 Hours | 4 Hours 55 Mins |
| Fare (CC) | ₹1,245 | ₹420 |
| Route Type | Long Loop (~384 km) | Direct (~244 km) |
| Availability | High Availability | High Demand |
Route and Stoppages
This Vande Bharat was introduced to improve connectivity for towns in North Bihar. It makes stops at Hajipur, Muzaffarpur, Bapudham Motihari, Bettiah, Narkatiaganj, Bagaha, and Kaptanganj. While this benefits people living in these intermediate towns, it makes the full journey from Patna to Gorakhpur inefficient for direct travelers. Currently, this train holds the record for being the slowest Vande Bharat Express in India with an average speed of about 54 km/h.
