Indian Railways, often referred to as the lifeline of the country, is gearing up for a significant transformation. The New Delhi Railway Station is set to undergo redevelopment, leading to its temporary closure by the end of this year. Hereβs everything you need to know:
π Train Shifts and Redevelopment Plans
The closure of New Delhi Railway Station is part of a broader initiative to redevelop 1,300 railway stations across India, a plan initiated by the Railway Ministry in 2013. The renovation of this major hub, which handles around 600,000 passengers daily, poses a significant challenge.
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- π Closure Timeline: Although the exact month of closure hasn’t been officially announced, preparations indicate that the station will be shut down by the end of this year.
- π Train Relocation: Plans are already in place to shift trains to other stations:
- π Eastern Destinations: Trains heading east will be moved to Anand Vihar Station.
- πΎ Punjab and Haryana: Trains bound for Punjab and Haryana will shift to Sarai Rohilla Station.
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- π Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat: Trains to these states will be redirected to Delhi Cantt and Hazrat Nizamuddin Stations.
- π’ Other Routes: Some trains might be moved to Ghaziabad Station. However, these details are still tentative and will be confirmed soon.
π§ Redevelopment Process
The redevelopment of New Delhi Railway Station is part of a phased approach to ensure minimal disruption:
- ποΈ Phased Work: Initially planned to be completed in one go, the redevelopment will now be divided into stages to manage the extensive work more efficiently.
- ποΈ Four-Year Closure: According to media reports, the station may remain closed for up to four years once the redevelopment begins. The project aims to completely revamp the station, offering improved facilities and infrastructure.
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π¬ Official Announcements and Next Steps
While these plans are still based on preliminary reports, the Railway Ministry is expected to release official details soon:
π° Media Reports: The decision to redevelop the station was discussed during the 2023 budget session, where the Railway Ministry shared insights into the project.
π Final Plans: The final blueprint for train relocations and station closure will be announced shortly, providing clarity for passengers and ensuring a smooth transition during the redevelopment period.