The ambitious redevelopment of the New Delhi Railway Station has become a point of political contention following reports that former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal allegedly withheld critical permissions for tree removal. According to railway ministry sources, these delays significantly hampered the early stages of the project, which is vital for upgrading one of India’s busiest transit hubs.
- Project Delay: Former CM Arvind Kejriwal reportedly withheld essential tree removal permissions for the station’s development.
- Forest Department Approval: In February 2022, permission was granted for 921 trees (36 to be cut and 885 to be relocated) out of 2,980, with a condition to plant 10 saplings for every tree removed.
- Current Status: Development accelerated after the current government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta took office, with work now in full swing.
- Future Capacity: The revamped station is designed to handle 700,000 passengers daily by January 2029.
Project Scope and Modernization
The redevelopment project is a cornerstone of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The plan includes the construction of two massive station buildings covering approximately 109,000 square meters on both the PaharGanj and Ajmeri Gate sides. The modern facility will feature dedicated passenger holding areas, multi-level parking, and a robust security infrastructure supported by 1,500 AI-powered cameras.
As of March 2026, the waiting area development on the Ajmeri Gate side reached completion, while foundation work for elevated roads and basement construction is progressing on the PaharGanj side. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted in April 2026 that the project is now moving at an accelerated pace.
Context of Tree Permissions
While the New Delhi Station project faced hurdles, records indicate that Kejriwal had previously approved the removal and relocation of 78 trees for a Vande Bharat maintenance shed at Shakur Basti in July 2023. In a recent shift toward streamlining infrastructure growth, the current Delhi government, in collaboration with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, launched the ‘Mission 70 Lakh Plantation Campaign’ on July 7, 2026. Furthermore, authorities are drafting the ‘Delhi Preservation Rules, 2026’, which aims to expedite online tree-cutting approvals for specific species on private land within a seven-day window.