In a major infrastructure push, the iconic New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is set for a massive transformation that will more than double its passenger handling capacity. The redevelopment, a key part of Indian Railways' plan to boost originating train capacity by 2030, aims to modernize the facility and cater to the surging demand for rail travel.
Phased Redevelopment Under Amrit Bharat Scheme
The station's makeover is being executed under the central government's Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The project is led by the Northern Railway (NR) zone, which has administrative control over NDLS. The core objective is to systematically enhance capacity and passenger amenities over the coming years to meet future traffic projections.
The most significant change will be the construction of two completely new station buildings. According to an official statement from Northern Railway, the existing structures will be demolished to make way for modern complexes alongside Platform 1 and Platform 16.
Massive Scale and Enhanced Passenger Flow
The scale of the expansion is monumental. The new station buildings will have a combined built-up area of approximately 1,09,000 square metres. This is a dramatic increase from the current built-up area of just 17,274 square metres.
This expanded space is designed to efficiently handle a daily footfall of up to seven lakh (700,000) passengers. Currently, the station deals with around four lakh passengers every day. The design incorporates several features to ensure smooth movement:
- Designated holding areas for passengers before platform access.
- Apron zones to facilitate a seamless transition for passengers from the elevated road network directly into the station.
- Integrated retail and commercial spaces.
- Seamless multi-modal integration with other city transport systems, especially the Delhi Metro, to offer a hassle-free commuting experience.
Part of a Larger National Railway Expansion Vision
The NDLS redevelopment is not an isolated project. It aligns with a larger, ambitious plan announced by the Ministry of Railways on December 27, 2025. The national plan aims to double the train originating capacity in 48 major Indian cities within the next five years.
Under this broader vision, Northern Railway has identified ten key stations for similar infrastructure upgrades. The list includes major hubs like Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jammu, Haridwar, and Bareilly.
The redevelopment of New Delhi Railway Station stands as a cornerstone project in this nationwide effort. By significantly augmenting capacity and modernizing passenger facilities, it seeks to transform one of the country's busiest rail junctions into a world-class transit hub, ready to meet the demands of a growing nation well into the future.
