To facilitate the ambitious redevelopment of New Delhi Railway Station, Indian Railways has begun shifting key train services to alternative terminals, including Anand Vihar, Old Delhi, and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations. This phased rerouting aims to alleviate congestion at one of India’s busiest rail hubs and enable extensive renovation work that will transform the station into a modern, eco-friendly multimodal transport hub by 2026.
The initial phase of this massive operational overhaul has already seen six prominent trains rerouted to nearby terminals. This step marks the beginning of a carefully planned, 45-month redevelopment project involving demolition of existing office buildings and construction of new infrastructure at the Paharganj area, set to become the new nerve centre for railway administration. The shift is not just a logistical necessity but a strategic intervention. Reducing footfall and train traffic at New Delhi station is critical to ensure construction activities proceed safely and efficiently. Temporary office facilities are being set up in Paharganj to accommodate railway staff displaced from the existing station premises before the demolition slated for March 2026.
The reallocation of trains also involves minor adjustments in train timings and routes. For instance, the New Delhi-Amritsar and Amritsar-New Delhi Express trains now operate via Delhi Junction. Similarly, the Saharsa-Amritsar Express and its return counterpart have been shifted to Delhi Junction platforms to ease station capacity pressures. Railway authorities have confirmed this is just the first wave of a four-phase process that will eventually reroute up to 30 trains away from New Delhi station. Subsequent phases will further reassign long-distance services to Old Delhi Railway Station, Anand Vihar Terminal, Hazrat Nizamuddin Station, and smaller terminals such as Shakur Basti and Safdarjung. These measures will collectively reduce congestion, improve passenger experience, and support the seamless reconstruction of platforms and station infrastructure.
Passenger convenience remains a priority amid these changes. Officials urge travellers to double-check departure and arrival points via official channels such as online portals, SMS alerts, and emails to avoid confusion. Supplementary shuttle and feeder bus services are being deployed to maintain connectivity between affected stations and the central New Delhi area during this transition. The New Delhi station redevelopment represents a visionary step towards creating a sustainable, zero-net-carbon urban transport hub that aligns with India’s broader environmental and equity goals. Incorporating green building standards, efficient multimodal links, and gender-neutral, accessible facilities, the project is poised to modernise one of the country’s key transport gateways in line with 21st-century urban planning ideals.
As the capital city prepares for this infrastructural leap, the phased train rerouting presents both challenges and opportunities. Passengers will need to adapt to new travel routines, but the long-term benefits promise reduced overcrowding, enhanced operational efficiency, and a transformative upgrade to Delhi’s transport ecosystem. The redevelopment of New Delhi Railway Station thus stands as a crucial model for balancing rapid urbanisation with sustainability and inclusive growth. The project’s success could redefine how Indian cities approach large-scale transport infrastructure renewal while minimising disruption to millions of daily commuters.
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