NDLS Railway Station, officially known as New Delhi Railway Station, is one of the busiest and most important railway stations in India. Located in the heart of the national capital, it serves as a primary gateway for millions of passengers traveling to and from Delhi every year. With its excellent connectivity, modern facilities, and strategic location, NDLS plays a vital role in India’s railway network.
Whether you are a daily commuter, a tourist, or a long-distance traveler, understanding the layout, facilities, and services of NDLS Railway Station can make your journey smoother and more comfortable.
Overview of NDLS Railway Station
New Delhi Railway Station (station code: NDLS) was established in 1926 and has since evolved into a world-class transportation hub. It handles hundreds of trains daily, including premium services like Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, Vande Bharat Express, Duronto Express, and several long-distance superfast trains.
NDLS connects Delhi with major cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Amritsar, making it one of the most well-connected railway stations in the country.
Location and Accessibility
NDLS Railway Station is located near Paharganj and Ajmeri Gate, close to Connaught Place, which is one of Delhi’s most prominent commercial and tourist areas.
Key Connectivity Options:
- Delhi Metro: The Yellow Line and Airport Express Line connect directly to New Delhi Metro Station, which is linked to NDLS via a subway.
- Road Transport: Autos, taxis, e-rickshaws, and app-based cabs are easily available outside the station.
- Airport Access: The Airport Express Metro provides fast connectivity to Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Due to its central location, NDLS is easily accessible from almost every part of Delhi and NCR.
Platforms and Station Layout
NDLS Railway Station has 16 platforms, making it one of the largest railway stations in India. The station has two main entrances:
- Ajmeri Gate Side
- Paharganj Side
Each platform is well-numbered and equipped with digital display boards showing train arrival, departure, coach position, and platform details. Foot overbridges, escalators, and lifts help passengers move conveniently between platforms.
Train Services at NDLS
NDLS handles a wide variety of trains, including:
- Premium Trains: Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Tejas
- Superfast Express Trains
- Mail and Express Trains
- Passenger Trains
- Special Festival Trains
The station operates round the clock, ensuring smooth connectivity for travelers at all hours.
Passenger Facilities at NDLS Railway Station
NDLS Railway Station is equipped with modern facilities designed to enhance passenger comfort:
Waiting Rooms
- Separate waiting rooms for general and reserved passengers
- Air-conditioned lounges for premium ticket holders
Food and Refreshments
- IRCTC food courts
- Restaurants, snack counters, and beverage stalls
- Packaged food and drinking water available across platforms
Cloak Room and Luggage Services
- Secure cloak room for luggage storage
- Porter (coolie) services available at all platforms
Retiring Rooms
- AC and non-AC retiring rooms for passengers with confirmed tickets
- Ideal for short stays or long layovers
Cleanliness and Safety
- Regular cleaning and sanitation
- CCTV surveillance for passenger safety
- Railway Protection Force (RPF) assistance desks
Parking and Vehicle Access
NDLS offers both short-term and long-term parking facilities for private vehicles. Designated pickup and drop-off zones help reduce congestion, especially during peak travel hours. App-based cab services also have dedicated zones for passenger convenience.
Hotels Near NDLS Railway Station
Due to its central location, NDLS is surrounded by a wide range of accommodation options:
- Budget Hotels: Lodges and guest houses in Paharganj
- Mid-Range Hotels: Business hotels near Connaught Place
- Luxury Hotels: Five-star hotels within a short drive
This makes NDLS an ideal arrival point for tourists and business travelers alike.
Nearby Attractions
Passengers arriving at NDLS can easily explore several popular attractions:
- Connaught Place
- India Gate
- Jama Masjid
- Chandni Chowk
- Red Fort
- Raj Ghat
Most of these locations are easily reachable by metro, taxi, or auto-rickshaw.
Tips for Travelers Using NDLS Railway Station
- Arrive Early: Due to heavy footfall, reach the station at least 30–45 minutes before departure.
- Check Platform Information: Platforms may change at the last moment; always confirm via digital boards.
- Use Metro Connectivity: It is often faster and more reliable than road transport during peak hours.
- Beware of Touts: Use authorized counters for hotels, taxis, and porter services.
- Keep Tickets Handy: Ticket checks are common at station entry points.
Future Developments
NDLS Railway Station is undergoing continuous modernization under Indian Railways’ redevelopment plans. Proposed upgrades include:
- Improved station infrastructure
- Enhanced passenger amenities
- Better crowd management systems
- Modernized waiting areas and concourses
These developments aim to transform NDLS into a more passenger-friendly and world-class railway station.
Conclusion
NDLS Railway Station is more than just a transit point — it is the lifeline of rail travel in North India. With its extensive train connectivity, modern facilities, and central location, New Delhi Railway Station continues to serve millions of passengers efficiently every day. Whether you are traveling for work, leisure, or pilgrimage, NDLS offers convenience, connectivity, and comfort, making it one of the most significant railway stations in India.
Girish 
Suman Gupta