Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station; Complete Guide to Trains, Timings & Facilities

Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station is a premier rail hub in East Delhi, serving as a gateway to numerous Indian cities and offering modern amenities suited for today’s travelers. This comprehensive guide covers everything a traveler or content creator needs to know: from train schedules and connections to facilities, accessibility, and local tips for a smooth journey.
Station Overview & Connectivity
Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station (station code: ANVT) is strategically located in East Delhi and is one of the city’s major long-distance terminals, alongside New Delhi Junction and Hazrat Nizamuddin. Designed to ease congestion at the older stations, Anand Vihar primarily handles east-bound trains to states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and beyond. The terminal’s proximity to Anand Vihar Metro Station (Blue Line) and the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) guarantees excellent connectivity for both local and intercity travellers.
Historical Background
The foundation for Anand Vihar Terminal was laid in 2004, and after multiple upgrades and expansion phases, it opened for public service in December 2009. Its conceptualization was vital to accommodate the growing rail traffic and provide a convenient origin point for major east, north, and south-bound trains from Delhi.
Facilities & Passenger Services
Travelers at Anand Vihar Terminal benefit from a range of services designed for comfort, convenience, and security:
- Platforms & Waiting Areas: The station contains seven passenger platforms, two halt platforms, and spacious waiting lounges equipped with comfortable seating, fans, charging stations, drinking water, and clean washrooms. The current design allows the terminal to handle over 300,000 passengers daily once expansion phases are complete.
- Ticketing & Reservations: A comprehensive ticketing system is in place, featuring both manual counters and digital kiosks for quick purchase and reservation. Online booking via the IRCTC platform and dedicated help desks streamline access for digital-savvy travelers.
- Food & Refreshments: A five-star rating for food facilities reflects the station’s commitment to passenger comfort. Food courts, snack stalls, and beverage counters offer options for all tastes.
- Retiring Rooms & Lounges: For longer layovers or overnight stays, retiring rooms and dormitories can be reserved in advance through the IRCTC website or at the station. Lounges and resting spaces add to passenger convenience by providing privacy and essential amenities.
- Medical & Emergency Services: On-duty medical staff, first-aid stations, and a small pharmacy ensure basic healthcare is readily available for travelers in need.
- Cleanliness & Security: Regular cleaning routines and dedicated staff maintain high standards of hygiene. CCTV, railway police, and posted security personnel safeguard passenger welfare.
Train Services & Popular Routes
As a major origin and halt station, Anand Vihar Terminal operates a wide spectrum of long-distance and regional trains:
- East India: Direct trains are available to Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi, and other eastern metros.
- North & Northeast India: Key routes connect the station to Chandigarh, Jammu, Amritsar, and various destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- South India: Long-haul express trains to Bangalore, Hyderabad, and other southern cities depart regularly from Anand Vihar.
- Suburban Services: Dedicated platforms handle the Delhi Suburban Railway, providing fast local connections to Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, and more.
The station also accommodates additional and special trains during festivals and busy seasons, helping manage travel surges and ensuring passenger mobility.
Accessibility & Local Connections
Anand Vihar Terminal is situated on major road arteries like NH-24 and is adjacent to Anand Vihar Metro Station, connecting the railway hub with the entirety of Delhi’s metro network. Local taxis, auto rickshaws, and app-based cabs are easily available. The nearby ISBT bus depot facilitates seamless transfers between rail and road travel, especially for inter-state and international bus journeys.
Nearby Attractions & Tips
Travelers can enhance their Anand Vihar experience by exploring these nearby destinations:
- Akshardham Temple: One of Delhi’s most renowned spiritual and architectural sites, roughly 10 km from the station.
- East Delhi Mall: A popular shopping destination within the Anand Vihar area, perfect for food, retail therapy, and entertainment.
- Noida & Ghaziabad: These bustling suburbs are very close and offer a variety of recreational, business, and cultural attractions.
- Hotels & Accommodation: Multiple budget and premium hotels are located nearby, catering to solo travellers, families, and business visitors.
Travel Tips for Passengers
- Advance Reservations: Trains from Anand Vihar fill up quickly, so book tickets and retiring rooms in advance through IRCTC to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Check Train Timings: Use platforms like erail.in or the Indian Railways app for real-time train status and schedules to stay updated about arrivals, departures, and any changes.
- Arrive Early During Peak Times: Holiday and festival periods see huge passenger volumes; arrive at least an hour early to manage entry and boarding smoothly.
- Utilize Metro Accessibility: The direct metro linkage makes reaching the terminal from anywhere in Delhi fast and easy–highly recommended for avoiding road traffic jams.
- Carry Essentials: Although the station is well-equipped, carrying necessary travel documents, light snacks, and personal hygiene items ensures a stress-free experience.
Upgrades & Future Plans
Anand Vihar Terminal has seen substantial investment in modernizing its infrastructure, including an airport-style revamp completed in 2025–26 at a cost of over ₹224.5 crore. Features like rooftop solar power, enhanced passenger amenities, and digital reservation systems are being expanded to further boost sustainability and efficiency.
Conclusion
Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station stands as a symbol of Delhi’s commitment to smart transportation, blending tradition with advanced facilities and robust connectivity. Whether traveling across India or just commuting locally, passengers can expect efficiency, comfort, and access to all the modern essentials at this terminal. For travelers, content creators, and explorers, Anand Vihar Terminal is more than just a station—it’s a gateway to new journeys and experiences.