Railway ministry unveils ₹4,700 crore New Delhi Station Redevelopment Plan

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News):  With the aim to fast-track the redevelopment of the New Delhi Railway Station at a world-class standard, the Ministry of Railways has unveiled a plan to invest Rs 4,700 crore without taking assistance from private players. However, the commercial development of areas around the station will be taken up later through the PPP model, based on values governing the real-estate development proposition.

The plan involves rebuilding the station as per an already approved design and Master Plan for the New Delhi Railway Station redevelopment, the largest station of Indian Railways. At present, The New Delhi Railway station sees a footfall of around 5 lakh every day.

The six-floor station complex, with two signature domes, has been planned as a modern landmark of Delhi. The commercial monetization and revamp of the surrounding areas, as per the Master Plan, will be a separate exercise. It includes areas that are currently railway colonies, offices, and inner roads adjoining Connaught Place, and the Karnail Singh stadium — all on railway land.

According to the plan, the main station complex will have two signature domes on six floors each. There will be separate arrival and departure areas, circulating areas, retail space, and utility services spread over 2.2 lakh square meters of floor space. The terminal buildings will have an iconic dome shape with two arrival and two departure points at the concourse level. The height of the domes will be 80 m and 60 m, respectively, from the ground.

There will be no foot-over bridges. The new station will have two skywalks that are 9 m wide. This will connect the Multi-Modal Transport Hub to the station building. The structure is expected to have 86 lifts and 67 escalators. Solar panels will be placed on the Multi-Modal Transport Hub and other building roofs.

The structure will also have provisions for rainwater harvesting, wastewater or stormwater reuse, and solid waste management with proper on-site segregation. Fire fighting arrangements including Emergency Power Back-up will also be ensured.

The Railway Ministry is also planning to levy a nominal station development fee on stations that will undergo redevelopment. The redevelopment project has gathered speed with complete tenders of at least 15 stations given out and those for another 20 in the finalisation stage.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vashnaw has recently shared the proposed design of the 'futuristic' New Delhi Railway Station via his Twitter handle, which the government wants to redevelop at par with global standards.