New Delhi
Indian Railway and Delhi Suburban Railway station
The two entrances at Ajmeri Gate (top) and Paharganj (bottom)
General information
LocationNew Delhi, Delhi
India
Coordinates28°38′30″N 77°13′15″E / 28.6417°N 77.2207°E / 28.6417; 77.2207
Elevation214.42 metres (703.5 ft)
Owned byMinistry of Railways (India)
Operated byIndian Railways
Line(s)
Platforms16
Tracks20
Connections Logo of the Delhi Metro Yellow Line Airport Express Green Line (upcoming) New Delhi
Construction
Structure typeAt grade
AccessibleYes
Other information
Station codeNDLS
Zone(s) Northern Railway
Division(s) Delhi
History
Opened1956; 69 years ago (1956)
ElectrifiedYes
Location
Map
Interactive map

New Delhi railway station (station code: NDLS[1]) is the primary railway hub for the Indian capital, New Delhi, and an integral part of Indian Railways. Situated in Central Delhi, approximately 2 kilometers north of Connaught Place, the station features 16 platforms with entrances at Paharganj (platform 1) and Ajmeri Gate (platform 16). It is also served by the New Delhi metro station.

Along with Old Delhi railway station, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Anand Vihar Terminal, and Sarai Rohilla Railway Station, it is one of the five primary railway stations catering to Delhi state, while the additional stations, such as the Bijwasan railway station, are also being developed.[2] Categorised as NSG-1 (Non-Suburban Grade-1) station, the station being among the busiest railway stations in India accommodates over 250 trains on 16 platforms with daily footfall of approximately 500,000 passengers which peaks to 700,000 during peak festival seasons. The station holds the record for the largest route relay interlocking system in the world.

History

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Main article: Northern Railway zone history

1911: First railway in Delhi

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Before the proclamation of the new imperial capital at New Delhi in 1911, the Delhi Junction railway station served the entire city; the Agra–Delhi railway line cut through what is today referred to as Lutyens' Delhi. The line ran through plans for a new capital, including space set aside for the All India War Memorial and Kingsway.[3] The railway line was realigned along the Yamuna River and opened in 1924, coinciding with the construction of the Minto Rail Bridge.[3]

1926: Origin of New Delhi railway station

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In 1926, the East Indian Railway Company approved the construction of a single-story building and a single platform between Ajmeri Gate and Paharganj; this would eventually morph into the New Delhi railway station.[3] The government's plans to construct the new station inside the Central Park of Connaught Place was rejected.[4] The Viceroy entered the city through the new railway station during the inauguration of New Delhi in 1931. New structures were added to the railway station later and the original building served as the parcel office for many years.[3][5]

1955 onwards: upgrades

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By 1955, construction of a new station building commenced at a cost of ₹20 lakh (equivalent to ₹22 crore or US$2.6 million in 2023),[6][7][8] and the singular platform station was officially inaugurated on 16 April 1956.[9][10] Heretofore, the Old Delhi railway station served as the primary railway station for the city.[11] The concrete exterior of the building[12] was clad with sandstone for the 1982 Asian Games,[12] then covered with aluminum for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.[12][13]

Ajmeri Gate entrance.

2009 onwards: upgrades

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In September 2009, the new 3-story 9,000 m2 building of the station facing Ajmeri Gate was opened to the public.[14][15] Later the number of platforms was increased from 12 to 16.[16] Since 1999, route relay interlocking system implemented here,[17] has been recognised by the Guinness World Records as the largest in the world.[18][19][20]

2025-2029: proposed redevelopment

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New Delhi railway station has witnessed numerous initiatives over the decades to decongest it.[21][22][23]

The 45 month-long ₹2,469 crore redevelopment project with January 2029 target completion will have new modern eco-friendly energy-saving green solar buildings on both the Paharganj and Ajmeri Gate sides, redevelopment of all 16 platforms, more flyovers and 2 tunnels to ease vehicular traffic congestion caused by the cargo, improved integrated AI-based CCTV and security control systems, improved Passenger Amenities (spacious waiting areas, improved signage, and better accessibility with escalators and elevators) and Multimodal Transport Hub (to integrate rail, metro, bus, and other modes of transport, creating a seamless connection for passengers).[24]

Rail traffic

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Passenger footfall

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The station has daily footfall of 500,000 passengers,[25] which rises to 700,000 during festivals.[26][27] In 2011, the daily revenue was ₹75 lakh (US$89,000).[28]

Trains

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Lucknow Tejas Express at the New Delhi railway station.

The station serves as the primary originating junction for the Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express,[29][30] Vande Bharat Express,[31] Amrit Bharat Express,[32][33] Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist circuit train, several luxury tourist trains such as the Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, and Maharajas' Express have itineraries that begin and conclude at New Delhi Railway Station. [34]

The station accommodates a total of over 400 unique trains,[35] with 13-23 trains per platform per day,[36] including over 250 passenger trains every day,[29][35] ad the rest being cargo trains.

Lines

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Highspeed trains

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Delhi-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor is under construction.[37]

Long distance trains

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Delhi's suburban and ring rail network.

New Delhi–Mumbai main line and Howrah–Gaya–Delhi line (part of Diamond Quadrilateral and New Delhi–Chennai main line) run through here,[38]

Suburban trains

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Suburban rail services, such as the Delhi Ring Railway and the Delhi Suburban Railway,[16][39] from the station has over 78 suburban trains[40] serving the ring railway as well as the radial routes extending towards Faridabad–Palwal, Sonipat–Panipat, Rohtak, Gurgaon–Rewari, and Shahdara–Shamli.[41]

Facilities

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Station categorised as NSG-1 station,[42] has passenger facilities which include the

  • Food and beverage: a round-the-clock food court,[43] water vending machines,[44] snack shops, and base kitchens for supplying food for the long distance trains.[45]
  • Shopping: souvenir shop,[46] book and magazine stalls on all platforms.[47]
  • Communications and electronics: Wi-Fi connectivity,[48] and energy saving lighting.[49]
  • Luggage: at least one escalator per platform,[53] licensed porters,[54] cargo loading and unloading provisions.[55]

Last-mile connectivity

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Autos, taxis, parking, metro, and eating joints visible at the Ajmeri Gate exit.
The foot-over-bridge connecting the station to the parking and the Airport Express Line.

Delhi Metro

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New Delhi railway station is served by the Yellow Line and Airport Express Line of the Delhi Metro, the latter of which provides a direct connection to Indira Gandhi International Airport and links further to the Pink Line and Blue Line.[58] A 242-meter (794-foot) skywalk connects the foot overbridges on the Ajmeri Gate entrance of the station to the metro station and the parking complex on Bhavbhuti Marg.[59] The foot overbridge from the entrance overlooking Paharganj to the Bhavbhuti Marg parking area spans 442 meters (1,450 feet).[60]

Road

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State Entry Road, on entrance abutting Paharganj, provides an alternative route to the congested Chelmsford Road.[61][62]

Attractions nearby

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Around 8 temples and 5 mosques are situated in the vicinity of the station.[63] A temple, the Lankeshwar Mahadev Temple, is located on platforms 6–7, while a mosque, Masjid Ghareeb Shah, is situated on platforms 2–3.[64]

The historic Mughal-era edifices of Ajmeri Gate and Ghaziuddin's Mosque are also located in the vicinity of the station.[65] The AMASR Act regulates construction in the vicinity of centrally-protected monuments.[65]

Issues

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Accidents

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On 15 February 2025, at least 18 people were killed in a stempede at the New Delhi railway station as passengers tried to board trains heading to the 2025 Prayagraj Kumbh Mela.[66][67]

Vehicle traffic congestion

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Vehicle traffic congestion at the station has been a persistent issue.[68][69]

[edit]
  • Solar panels on multiple platform covers.
    Solar panels on multiple platform covers.
  • Foot over bridges connect all the platforms.
    Foot over bridges connect all the platforms.
  • A parcel/mail/cargo handling area, 2010.
    A parcel/mail/cargo handling area, 2010.
  • Porters awaiting a train's arrival.
    Porters awaiting a train's arrival.
  • Baby feeding room for mothers.
    Baby feeding room for mothers.
  • Standard 5 ft 6 in gauge railway, platform 14-15.
    Standard 5 ft 6 in gauge railway, platform 14-15.
  • WDS-6AD shunter locomotive.
    WDS-6AD shunter locomotive.

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Station Code Index" (PDF). Portal of Indian Railways. Centre For Railway Information Systems. 2023–24. p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
  2. ^ "Development of Bijwasan Railway Station, New Delhi. Project Information Memorandum" (PDF). Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd. (IRSDC). EY. February 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 January 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d Dastidar, Avishek G (18 January 2011). "When Railways nearly derailed New Delhi". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 26 September 2013.
  4. ^ Roy, Sidhartha (8 February 2011). "CP's blueprint: Bath's Crescent". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013.
  5. ^ "A fine balance of luxury and care". Hindustan Times. 21 July 2011. Archived from the original on 14 December 2014.
  6. ^ "New Delhi Railway Station (Q1955)". Lok Sabha Debates. 3 (41). Lok Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi: 3637. 10 May 1956. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2022. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  7. ^ Gupta 2021, p. 38-39.
  8. ^ Oral Answers to Questions. New Building of the New Delhi Railway Station. Q166 (PDF), Parliament of India. Official Debates of the Rajya Sabha., 8 May 1956, p. 1518, archived (PDF) from the original on 4 August 2022, retrieved 4 August 2022
  9. ^ National Tourism Award 2010-11 (PDF), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, p. 23, archived (PDF) from the original on 17 June 2021, retrieved 5 August 2022
  10. ^ @RBArchive (16 April 2022). "16 April, 1956: President Dr Rajendra Prasad inaugurating the New Delhi Railway Station in the presence of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, Minister of Railways. #ThisDayThatYear" (Tweet). Retrieved 5 August 2022 – via Twitter.
  11. ^ Dayal, Mala (2010). Celebrating Delhi. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-81-8475-273-1. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2022. The entry into Delhi was always by train, at the Old Delhi railway station (the New Delhi station was largely ceremonial until the 1950s).
  12. ^ a b c Gupta 2021, p. 41-43.
  13. ^ "Now catch a radio taxi at New Delhi railway station". The Hindu. 6 October 2010. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
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  16. ^ a b "HT This Day, August 7, 1982 -- Suburban electric train service from I-Day". Hindustan Times. 4 August 2022. Archived from the original on 6 August 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  17. ^ Ghosh, Dwaipayan (20 August 2008). "Games in sight, New Delhi station gets ready". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
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  19. ^ "Indian Railways: Landmarks of Glory". Hindustan Times. 21 June 2003. Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022. Source: Official Indian Railway site
  20. ^ Raha, Ashirbad S. (18 September 2008). "New Delhi railway station on track for a sleek makeover". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  21. ^ Written Answers to Unstarred Questions. Shifting Of New Delhi Railway Station. Q517 (PDF), Parliament of India. Official Debates of the Rajya Sabha., 20 February 1981, pp. 138–139, archived (PDF) from the original on 4 August 2022, retrieved 4 August 2022
  22. ^ Unstarred Question No. 1484. Construction at New Delhi Station. (PDF), Rajya Sabha. Indian Railways, 24 August 2007, archived (PDF) from the original on 3 April 2013, retrieved 4 August 2022
  23. ^ Dhawan, Bulbul (11 March 2020). "Indian Railways plans big! New Delhi Railway Station redevelopment to be first-of-its-kind project; top facts". The Financial Express. Archived from the original on 3 January 2021. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  24. ^ NDRS redevelopment, hcisingapore.gov.in, accessed 2 Ju 2025.
  25. ^ "Train Operation from Delhi Stations". Government of India. Press Information Bureau. 12 August 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2020. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
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  27. ^ * "New Delhi Railway Station to be revamped: All we know about the futuristic design". The Indian Express. 4 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
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  29. ^ a b Bhatnagar, Rahul Vardhan; Ram, Sewa (2022). "Assessment of level of service for access and dispersal facilities in a railway terminal". International Journal of Transportation Science and Technology. 11 (2). Elsevier: 344–359. doi:10.1016/j.ijtst.2021.04.010. S2CID 235510529. Archived from the original on 4 May 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  30. ^ Nag, Devanjana (2 March 2022). "Indian Railways' first superfast service! 53 years of first Rajdhani Express between Delhi-Howrah". Financial Express. The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  31. ^ Athrady, Ajith (15 February 2019). "PM flags off Vande Bharat Express". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  32. ^ "Amrit Bharat train: PM Modi likely to flag of new push-pull train for common man between Ayodhya and Darbhanga - check top features". The Times of India. 22 December 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  33. ^ Verma, Shivam (22 December 2023). "PM Modi to flag off 5 Vande Bharat, 2 Amrit Bharat trains on December 30, check details here". Daily News and Analysis.
  34. ^ Facts & Figures 2016-17 (PDF), Ministry of Railways, Government of India, archived (PDF) from the original on 28 July 2021, retrieved 1 August 2022. pg. 35, 37
  35. ^ a b Anand, Rohit; Gupta, Sanjay (2018). "Productivity of Railway Stations: Case Study - New Delhi Railway Station". 7th Transport Research Arena TRA 2018. doi:10.5281/ZENODO.1491536. Archived from the original on 26 July 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
  36. ^ Gupta 2021, p. 51.
  37. ^ Thakur, Rajesh Kumar (31 December 2021). "Railways likely to propose creation of four new bullet train corridors taking total to 12". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 3 January 2022. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
  38. ^ *Nandi, Tamal (16 March 2021). "Railways increases line capacity on Mumbai-Delhi route; operation time to reduce". Livemint. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
  39. ^ Varma, Vishnu (24 February 2016). "Ring Railway left behind as Delhi swells beyond boundaries". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 12 May 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  40. ^ Kalra, Sunil Yash (2010). Road to Commonwealth Games, 2010. Penguin Books India. p. 59. ISBN 978-0-14-341525-1. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  41. ^ "Functional Plan on Transport for National Capital Region-2032" (PDF). National Capital Region Planning Board. Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. pp. 2, 35, 40. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 August 2022. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
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  43. ^ David, Shantanu (10 September 2021). "Good Food central". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  44. ^ Roy, Sidhartha (1 March 2016). "New Delhi station gets water vending machines". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  45. ^ Kant, Vishal (7 July 2014). "Base kitchens to come up at New Delhi railway station to improve food quality". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 6 August 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
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  47. ^ Sharma, Manoj (29 November 2020). "Final station: Pulp fiction on its last legs, say sellers". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
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  49. ^ Kant, Vishal (27 April 2014). "Automatic lighting system saves energy at Delhi railway stations". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
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  52. ^ Jha, Srinand (13 February 2009). "Bye Yatri Niwas, hello Ginger". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  53. ^ Roy, Sidhartha (3 June 2016). "New Delhi station is making climbing stairs a thing of the past". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
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  57. ^ a b Sinha, Jignasa (26 July 2022). "Ground report: Rape at New Delhi Railway Station puts question mark on security, crime spot was under nose of security personnel". The Indian Express. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
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  61. ^ Ramachandran, Rajesh (20 July 2019). "The State Entry Road". The Tribune India. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  62. ^ Soofi, Mayank Austen (1 June 2017). "Delhiwale: A 'dystopian' walk on Chelmsford Road". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  63. ^ Rastogi, Surabhi (9 September 2009). "Rlys changes track on facelift of New Delhi Railway Station". The Financial Express. The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  64. ^ Kant, Vishal (26 April 2012). "Religious structures ahead, rly halts expansion plans". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  65. ^ a b Mishra, Twesh (9 December 2021). "New Delhi Railway Station redevelopment project hits a hurdle in history". Rediff. Archived from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  66. ^ Hauser, Jennifer (15 February 2025). "At least 18 dead in crush at New Delhi train station as crowds head for religious festival, Indian media reports". CNN. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  67. ^ "15 killed as Kumbh rush leads to stampede at New Delhi station". The Times of India. 16 February 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  68. ^ Munshi, Suhas (19 May 2013). "Northern Railway plans to ease traffic congestion at New Delhi station". India Today. Archived from the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
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Works cited

Further reading

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Academic
News articles
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to New Delhi railway station.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for New Delhi.
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