New Delhi Railway Station

New DelhiIndia 28° N · 77° E Updated Oct 2026

New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) stands as the bustling gateway to India’s vibrant capital, New Delhi, and is recognized as one of the busiest and most…

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What New Delhi Railway Station Is

New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is a major rail gateway to India’s capital and a vital hub in the country’s transport network. It serves nearly half a million passengers daily and handles more than 400 trains a day. With 16 platforms, extensive rail and metro connections, and a central location, it is a starting point for exploring Delhi’s heritage and connecting with destinations across India.

History and Modernisation

NDLS was established during the British colonial era after New Delhi was declared the new imperial capital in 1911. The station site was selected between Ajmeri Gate and Paharganj. The line was inaugurated in 1924, and in 1931 the station became the arrival point for the Viceroy during the inauguration of New Delhi (Wikipedia).

After independence, the station expanded significantly. A new station building opened in 1956, bringing amenities for all passenger classes together. NDLS also set benchmarks in railway architecture by integrating facilities such as waiting rooms and refreshment areas accessible to all.

Modern infrastructure and digital services are part of ongoing efforts to improve passenger convenience. Wi-Fi, digital boards, AI crowd management and biometric ticketing are among the technologies associated with the station (ASSOCHAM RailTech Report; Rail Analysis India).

A ₹6,500 crore redevelopment project is planned, with green design, smart infrastructure and seamless multimodal integration. Proposed features include wider skywalks, improved accessibility and integrated rapid transit (Livemint; infrainfohub.com).

What to See and Find at the Station

Entrances and platforms

  • Paharganj side West side, near Platform 1 and close to budget hotels and busy market areas. Platforms 1–7 are associated with this entrance.
  • Ajmeri Gate side East side, near Platform 16 and the metro; it is typically less crowded. Platforms 8–16 are associated with this entrance.
  • Both entrances have multilingual signage and directions (India Today).
  • The 16 platforms are connected by foot overbridges, escalators and elevators. Digital displays show train arrivals, departures and platform numbers (Rahul Travel and Food).

Passenger facilities

  • General waiting rooms are separate for men and women. An executive lounge on Platform 16 offers Wi-Fi, refreshments and spa services (Agate Travel).
  • Retiring rooms and dormitories are available for short stays and can be booked online or at the station.
  • Food courts operate 24/7, and water vending machines are available across platforms.
  • Official porter services (coolies), luggage trolleys and cloak rooms for secure luggage storage at nominal rates are available (indiatravelforum.in).
  • Restrooms include accessible toilets. Showers are available in executive lounges and retiring rooms.
  • Railtel-supported free high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations in waiting areas and on platforms, and information desks at both entrances are available.
  • Security includes RPF, GRP and Delhi Police presence, CCTV surveillance, fire and smoke detection, and medical facilities (India Today).

Accessibility

NDLS has ramps, tactile paths, double handrails, escalators, elevators, accessible toilets, Braille signage, audio announcements, designated parking and wheelchair assistance. Low-height counters, priority queues and accessible online portals are also listed among its accessibility features. Assistance and priority queues are available for differently-abled passengers (Staff News PDF).

Practical Visiting Information

Hours

  • Station Open 24/7 for passenger movement.
  • Ticket counters Typically 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
  • Enquiry counters 6:00 AM–11:00 PM.
  • Cloak rooms and waiting rooms Accessible 24 hours; peak times may apply.

Online ticketing through the IRCTC website is recommended to avoid queues.

Tickets and reservations

Tickets are available online through IRCTC or its app, at station counters on the Ajmeri Gate and Paharganj sides, and through authorized agents. Ticket types include General, Sleeper, AC Classes, Executive and premium trains.

Multiple reserved and unreserved counters are located at both entrances. ATVMs offer self-service ticketing. The International Tourist Bureau, which assists foreign travelers, is on the first floor of the Paharganj side. Special low-height counters are available for Divyangjan (Staff News PDF).

Biometric tokens and digital ticketing are also described as options for streamlining entry (Rail Analysis India). Carry valid ID proof for platform access and ticket verification.

Rail, metro and road connections

NDLS is a starting or ending point for trains including the Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto Express, linking Delhi with major cities (erail.in). Regional rail services connect with NCR cities including Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad.

  • Yellow Line Runs north–south across central Delhi.
  • Airport Express Line Connects to Indira Gandhi International Airport in approximately 15 minutes (magicbricks.com).
  • Metro entrance Gate 1 on the Ajmeri Gate side, a one-minute walk from the station exit.
  • Buses Available from both sides, connecting Delhi with neighboring states.
  • Taxis and autos Prepaid services are available; app-based options include Ola and Uber.
  • Airport distance and options IGI Airport is 18 km away. Options include the Airport Express Metro, prepaid taxis, app-based cabs and hotel transfers. Taxi night surcharges may apply.

Tips

  • Early morning and late evening are noted as less-crowded times. Peak hours are 7:00–10:00 AM and 5:00–8:00 PM.
  • Use the entrance associated with your platform: Paharganj for Platforms 1–7 and Ajmeri Gate for Platforms 8–16.
  • Book tickets and retiring rooms online in advance, and arrive early during festivals or holidays.
  • Keep tickets and ID handy.
  • Use CCTV-monitored areas, official staff and prepaid taxi or autorickshaw counters. Avoid unofficial porters and touts; use official staff.
  • Use the metro and buses for city travel.
  • The guide recommends downloading the Audiala app for real-time updates and navigation.

Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What are NDLS visiting hours?
The station is open 24/7; individual facilities may have specific hours.

How do I book tickets?
Book online through IRCTC or its app, at station counters, or through authorized agents.

Is the station accessible for differently-abled travelers?
Yes. Features include ramps, elevators, tactile paths and priority services.

Are cloak rooms available?
Yes. Secure luggage storage is available at nominal rates, with policies applying (indiatravelforum.in).

How can I reach the airport from NDLS?
Options include the Airport Express Metro, prepaid taxis and app-based cabs.

Where can I get tourist assistance?
At the International Tourist Bureau on the first floor of the Paharganj side, or at the information desks.