Delhi braces for major train shifts as New Delhi Railway Station gets airport style overhaul
Delhi is preparing for a significant shake-up in its railway operations as the much-anticipated redevelopment of the New Delhi Railway Station gains momentum. The Indian Railways has kickstarted the first phase of construction for a world-class makeover, and with it comes a logistical challenge: more than 100 trains are likely to be rerouted to alternate stations across the capital in the coming months.
At the heart of this transformation is the construction of a state-of-the-art Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) on the Paharganj side, along with a phased reconstruction of platforms 1 through 9. The redevelopment aims to elevate the station to international standards, offering airport-like amenities such as integrated ticketing, streamlined passenger flow, high-speed escalators, modern waiting lounges, and better vehicular access. Railway officials have confirmed that demolition and preparatory work is already underway. Soil testing, surveying, and clearing of space near the station are in progress. Key structures such as Rail Niwas, the Railway Club, and the Junior Engineer’s office on State Entry Road are scheduled for demolition. Additionally, the relocation of a municipal drainage line is being expedited to make way for core construction work.
One of the key reasons this redevelopment stands out is the scale at which it will affect train operations. A Delhi railway division report has revealed that more than 100 trains will need to be relocated during the redevelopment. Six trains, including the Purushottam Express, have already been reassigned to other terminals. More such changes are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Passengers traveling to or from the capital should brace for disruption. With platforms set to be reconstructed in two stages — first from platforms 1 to 5 and then 6 to 9 — shifting train operations is critical to keeping schedules on track and minimizing passenger inconvenience. But given that major stations like Old Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Anand Vihar Terminal already operate at near full capacity, rerouting trains won’t be easy.
To handle the upcoming pressure, the Railways is speeding up work at the under-construction Bijwasan Terminal. In parallel, two new platforms, along with additional washing and stabling lines, are being developed at Tughlakabad and Adarsh Nagar. These terminals will absorb much of the redirected train traffic, though even smaller stations such as Shakur Basti, Delhi Cantonment, and Safdarjung may also be utilized to distribute the load. Route-specific reallocations are already being mapped out. Trains heading to eastern India are likely to be shifted to Old Delhi and Anand Vihar, while services bound for the south and west will be rerouted to Hazrat Nizamuddin and Tughlakabad. Northern-bound trains may originate from Sarai Rohilla or Adarsh Nagar. Passengers are advised to monitor official announcements and station boards closely as the changes roll out.
A key hurdle to the project had been the delay in receiving forest clearance for tree felling and transplantation. That bottleneck now appears to be resolved, with final approvals expected soon. This clearance will allow demolition on the Paharganj side to begin in full swing by early next year. Officials have marked February 2026 as the target for initiating major structural dismantling of the existing station building. The redevelopment is not just about physical infrastructure. The plan envisions a seamless integration between various transport modes — including Metro, city buses, auto-rickshaws, and private vehicles — that converge at the station. The MMTH, once operational, will act as a unified access point for commuters, reducing chaos and improving crowd management.
Over the years, New Delhi Railway Station has become symbolic of the capital’s overcrowded and overstretched transport infrastructure. With close to five lakh passengers transiting through daily, the station currently handles more than double its intended capacity. Congestion on access roads, long queues at entrances, insufficient waiting space, and poor signage have long plagued the station. Authorities hope this overhaul will reverse that narrative. Railway officials are keen to emphasize that the short-term disruption will yield long-term benefits. “The redevelopment will drastically improve the travel experience,” said a senior railway officer. “We are coordinating with all zones to ensure minimum inconvenience. Once the station is fully redeveloped, it will match international standards in terms of speed, comfort, and operational efficiency.”
However, passenger associations and transport analysts have sounded caution. The challenge lies not just in shifting trains but also in managing passenger expectations and communication. “People will be frustrated if they show up at New Delhi Station only to find their train is now at Tughlakabad or Safdarjung,” said transport planner. “There has to be proactive messaging, SMS alerts, media coordination, and clear signage across the city.”
In the long run, the revamped New Delhi Railway Station is expected to become a hub for high-speed rail and premium services such as Vande Bharat trains, semi-high-speed corridors, and international connectivity projects. But for now, Delhi’s rail users will have to adjust to a new rhythm — one that may involve longer commutes to alternate stations but promises smoother journeys ahead.
