The Ministry of Railways has swiftly dispelled recent rumors circulating on social media regarding the closure of New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS). Contrary to reports, NDLS will not be shutting down by the end of this year for redevelopment work. In an official statement, the ministry clarified that the station will remain operational throughout the redevelopment process.
“Some sections of the media have reported that New Delhi Railway Station will be shut down by the end of this year for redevelopment work. It is to announce that New Delhi Railway Station will never be shutdown,” the ministry said in the statement.
The statement also highlighted that, during the redevelopment, certain trains will be diverted or regulated as needed to accommodate the ongoing work. The authorities assured that all necessary notifications regarding train diversions and regulations will be issued ahead of time to keep travelers informed. “It may be noted that when a railway station undergoes redevelopment, a few trains are diverted/regulated as per requirement. Information about such diversions/regulations of trains is notified well in advance,” the statement added.
Fake news on NDLS closure
Earlier some reports stated that the Indian Railways is set for a dramatic transformation, with the New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) scheduled for temporary closure by the end of this year to undergo redevelopment. The clarification follows media reports claiming that the New Delhi Railway Station was “scheduled to close temporarily due to redevelopment” as part of a renovation plan. These reports also suggested that a plan was already in place to move affected trains to nearby railway stations, including Anand Vihar, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Delhi Cantt, and Sarai Rohilla.
Redevelopment of NDLS
The ambitious transformation of NDLS is part of the Union government’s Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Under this initiative, colonial-era railway stations across the country are undergoing significant upgrades. In Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), stations like New Delhi, Delhi Cantonment, Anand Vihar, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad are included in the redevelopment plan.
The proposed design for the New Delhi Railway Station is nothing short of futuristic. A striking dome-shaped glass building will serve as the centerpiece, complemented by a 40-story twin tower. The redevelopment project also includes multi-level car parking facilities and designated pick-up and drop zones. The total built-up area will span approximately 2.22 lakh square meters.
Inside the twin towers, there will be office spaces, retail shops, and even a hotel. The railways will occupy 45,000 square meters of office space, ensuring efficient operations. Additionally, the revamped station will feature 91 bus bays, 1,500 ECS parking spaces, and convenient skywalks for pedestrians and metro passengers.
The redevelopment of New Delhi Railway Station promises to enhance both functionality and aesthetics, ushering in a new era for rail travel in the capital. As travelers eagerly await the transformation, the ministry’s commitment to transparency and timely communication remains commendable.
