Old Delhi Railway Station

Old Delhi Railway station (station code DLI) which is also called as ‘Delhi Junction’ is the oldest railway station in Delhi. This station was constructed by the British Indian Government near Chandini Chowk area in 1864. The present building which appears as a red-coloured fort was opened for public in 1903. Old Delhi has served as a prominent railway station prior to the opening of New Delhi railway station for a period of six decades. Delhi Metro’s Chandni Chowk underground station is located near to the Old Delhi railway station.

History

The Railway operation in Old Delhi station commenced with the arrival of a broad gauge train from Calcutta in 1864. This was followed by the laying of Metre gauge track from Delhi to Rewari which was further extended to Ajmer in 1873. This project was taken up by Rajputana Railways. The first metre gauge train operation from the station commenced in 1876.

The building which presently exists was built in 1900 and railway operation commenced in 1903. During the initial days, the station had two platforms which could handle 1000 passengers. However, with renovations and advancements undertaken at the station, it now facilitates handling of more than 200 trains and 180,000 passengers daily.

The railway line between Agra and Delhi was opened in 1904. During this period, Delhi formed part of six railway systems. The Oudh, Rohilkhand, East Indian Railway and North-Western Railway entered Delhi via Ghaziabad junction by crossing the Yamuna River. The Ambala-Kalka Railway originated from Delhi and travelled towards the north. The Rajputana-Malwa express also covered some distance through the Delhi regions of Rewari and Gurgaon.

Old Delhi Railway Station was built to resemble the world’s historic site Red Fort using red stone. There were 6 clock towers in the building and the tower number 4 is still used as a water tank.

Old Delhi Railway station was the main railway station in Delhi before the opening of New Delhi Railway Station in 1926. The railway line for the Agra-Delhi track was decided to be laid down over the site assigned for India Gate and Rajpath. However, the East Indian Railway Company laid the line over Yamuna River shifting from the earlier decided routes in 1924.

A high class renovation was carried out at the station in 1934. The number of platforms was increased and power signal systems were set up. In 1990, the station witnessed further renovation with a new entrance coming up at Kashmere Gate side and addition of some more platforms. This was followed by renumbering of platforms in 2011. Earlier, the platform numbers started from Kashmere gate side (1A) and ended at main entrance (18). However, they were re-numbered and some of the platforms were merged to accommodate trains with more number of coaches. As per the new numbering, the platform at main entrance was named No.1 and the one at Kashmere gate ended with number 16. Further, renovation were being planned during the financial year 2012-13.

List of Trains

How to Reach

Old Delhi station can be reached from Connaught Place by using taxis, buses or auto rickshaws.

Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk (Yellow line)