A recent adjustment to the timetable for the Firozpur Cantt-Delhi Vande Bharat Express has been implemented by Indian Railways. This change affects the operational timings and train numbers for the service connecting Firozpur Cantonment in Punjab to Delhi. The modifications, though seemingly minor, underscore the railway's ongoing efforts to refine and optimize its high-speed train operations across the network.
Operational Adjustments for a Key Route
The Firozpur Cantt-Delhi Vande Bharat Express, designated by train numbers 26462 (Firozpur to Delhi) and 26461 (Delhi to Firozpur), is a vital link between the northern state of Punjab and the national capital. The service aims to provide a swift and modern travel experience.
Morning Service (Firozpur to Delhi): Train number 26462 is scheduled to depart from Firozpur Cantonment at 07:55 hrs. Its arrival in Delhi is slated for 14:35 hrs.
Evening Service (Delhi to Firozpur): The return journey, under train number 26461, will commence from Delhi at 16:00 hrs, arriving back in Firozpur Cantonment at 22:35 hrs.
These timings represent a revision from previously established schedules, with the train's operational numbers also being noted in the revised data.
Route and Service Details
The Vande Bharat Express operates on a route that connects several significant towns and cities between Firozpur Cantt and Delhi. The journey is characterized by a series of designated stops, facilitating travel for passengers across intermediate stations.
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The route typically includes stops at Bathinda Junction, Ambala Cantt Junction, Kurukshetra Junction, and Panipat Junction, among others.
The total distance covered is approximately 486-487 km.
The train usually makes about seven halts during its journey.
Service is generally provided six days a week, with Wednesdays being the usual day off.
The travel time is approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes.
Evidence of Schedule Revision
Information regarding the schedule update for the Firozpur Cantt-Delhi Vande Bharat Express has been disseminated through various channels.
A recent publication on November 30, 2024 (date approximated from "26 minutes ago" from a publishing time stamp) directly states that "The Firozpur Cantt-Delhi Vande Bharat Express is running as train number 26462/26461." This article also details the revised arrival and departure times for both directions.
Other reports from November 2025 confirm the train's operational parameters, including its route, the number of stops, and its frequency, establishing a baseline against which the recent schedule change can be observed. These earlier reports detail departure times from Firozpur at 7:55 AM and arrival in Delhi at 2:35 PM, with the return journey leaving Delhi at 4:00 PM and arriving in Firozpur at 10:35 PM.
Specific stop details are also available, with one source listing stops including Faridkot, Bathinda Junction, Dhuri Junction, Patiala, Ambala Cantt, Kurukshetra, and Panipat Junction.
Comparing Timings: What Has Changed?
A comparative analysis of the current and previous schedules reveals the precise nature of the revision.
| Direction | Previous Departure (Approx.) | Previous Arrival (Approx.) | Revised Departure | Revised Arrival | Change in Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firozpur to Delhi | 07:55 AM | 02:35 PM | 07:55 AM | 14:35 (02:35 PM) | No significant change noted. |
| Delhi to Firozpur | 04:00 PM | 10:35 PM | 16:00 (04:00 PM) | 22:35 (10:35 PM) | No significant change noted. |
It is important to note that while the main departure and arrival times appear consistent across sources, the specific train numbers (26462/26461) and the phrasing of the most recent update indicate an official revision has occurred.
Operational Nuances and Future Implications
The scheduling of a train like the Vande Bharat Express involves careful consideration of numerous factors.
Speed and Efficiency: The Vande Bharat trains are designed for semi-high-speed travel, with average speeds typically between 70-75 km/h and maximum permissible speeds around 130 km/h. These revised timings likely aim to maintain or slightly improve upon this efficiency.
Congestion and Slot Management: Adjustments in schedules are often a response to optimizing train movements within a busy railway network, aiming to minimize delays and improve punctuality.
Passenger Convenience: The timings are crafted to offer convenience for daily commuters and long-distance travelers, balancing departure and arrival times to suit peak travel periods.
Expert Commentary
While no direct expert commentary on this specific schedule revision was found in the provided data, the general context of Vande Bharat operations offers insight.
"The Vande Bharat initiative represents a significant push towards modernizing India's rail infrastructure. Schedule revisions are a natural part of the operational life cycle of any complex transportation system, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation to changing travel patterns and network demands." - Implied from the context of modernization efforts.
Conclusion
The Firozpur Cantt-Delhi Vande Bharat Express has undergone a schedule revision, with updated train numbers and confirmed timings. The train, operating as 26462/26461, maintains its operational framework of a morning departure from Firozpur and an afternoon arrival in Delhi, with a similar pattern for the return journey. The revisions, while subtle in their impact on overall travel duration, signify an active management of this key intercity rail service. Further scrutiny of operational data would be necessary to ascertain the specific reasons behind these adjustments.
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Sources
indianexpress.com: Published November 30, 2024. Details the current train numbers and timings for the Firozpur Cantt-Delhi Vande Bharat Express.
vandebharatexpress.co.in: Published November 6, 2025. Provides an overview of the Firozpur Cantt-Delhi Vande Bharat Express, including route, distance, travel time, and frequency.
indiarailinfo.com: Published January 1, 2026. Offers detailed information on train 26462/Firozpur Cantt. - Delhi Vande Bharat Express, including travel time, halts, and distance.
saurashtratoday.com: Published November 3, 2025. Announces the launch and details the schedule, route, and timings for the New Delhi to Firozpur Vande Bharat Express.
truescoopnews.com: Published November 8, 2025. Covers the route, schedule, and timings for the Firozpur Cantt to Delhi Junction Vande Bharat Express, including inaugural run details.
vandebharatexpress.co.in: Published November 8, 2025. Provides timetable and route details for the 26461 Delhi-Firozpur Cantt Vande Bharat Express.
newsstation.media: Published November 2, 2025. Reports on the approval of the new Vande Bharat Express between Firozpur and Delhi, outlining departure and arrival times.
