The New Delhi Railway Station is undergoing a massive transformation to become a world-class travel hub with facilities similar to modern airports. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently confirmed that the redevelopment work is gathering pace and is being executed in phases to avoid passenger inconvenience. The project officially started on June 14, 2024, and has a projected completion deadline of December 31, 2028. This mega project aims to integrate rail services with the Delhi Metro and bus networks seamlessly.
What are the key features of the new station design?
The redevelopment plan includes the construction of two iconic station buildings on the Paharganj and Ajmeri Gate sides. These structures will feature a twin dome-shaped facade and an innovative infinity-shaped building spanning three floors. The new design focuses on segregating arriving and departing passengers to manage the crowd efficiently. Once completed, the station will be able to handle nearly 7 lakh passengers daily, which is a significant increase from the current capacity of 4 to 5 lakh people. The station will also function as a multi-modal hub, connecting the railway platforms with the Blue Line Metro, Airport Express Metro, and local bus services.
Improved facilities and security updates
One of the biggest highlights of the new design is the massive increase in parking space. The authorities plan to increase the parking capacity by seven times, creating enough room for approximately 2,100 cars. Security will also see a major boost with the installation of over 1,500 AI-based cameras throughout the premises. The current status of the project and key financial data are summarized below:
| Project Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Estimated Cost | ₹2,469 Crore |
| Target Completion | December 31, 2028 |
| Parking Capacity | 2,100 Cars |
| Daily Passenger Capacity | 7 Lakh Passengers |
| Security Features | 1,500+ AI Cameras |
| Total Built-up Area | 1,09,000 Square Meters |
Work on the Ajmeri Gate side, including upgraded waiting areas and ticket counters, has already seen significant progress. On the Paharganj side, demolition of old structures and construction of a double basement are currently underway. The Ministry of Railways has clarified that the station will remain operational throughout the construction period, although some trains might be diverted with advance notice to the public.