New Delhi Railway Station Ajmeri Gate Side

Location and Importance

Situated in Central Delhi, New Delhi Railway Station is approximately 2 kilometers north of Connaught Place, the city’s commercial heart. The station has two primary entrances: one at Paharganj (serving platform 1) and the other at Ajmeri Gate (serving platform 16). The Ajmeri Gate side is crucial as it caters to a significant volume of passengers and trains, especially those bound for East India and neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha.

The station itself is classified as an NSG-1 (Non-Suburban Grade-1) station, reflecting its commercial importance and passenger volume. It accommodates over 250 trains daily across 16 platforms, with a footfall that can reach up to 700,000 passengers during peak seasons. The Ajmeri Gate side plays a vital role in managing this vast flow of travelers, making it a focal point of railway operations in the capital.

Facilities and Infrastructure

The Ajmeri Gate side is equipped with several passenger-friendly facilities aimed at enhancing convenience and comfort:

• Platforms and Access: Platforms 12 to 16 are primarily accessed from the Ajmeri Gate entrance. These platforms handle a disproportionate number of trains heading towards East India, contributing to high traffic and congestion.
• Waiting Areas and Lounges: There are passenger waiting rooms and an executive lounge located near platform 16 on the Ajmeri Gate side, providing comfort for travelers who seek a quieter environment or need to wait for long durations.
• Food and Shopping: The station offers round-the-clock food courts, snack shops, and souvenir stalls. Passengers can find a variety of refreshments and essentials on this side.
• Luggage and Porters: Licensed porters in red uniforms are readily available to assist passengers with their luggage, especially near the Ajmeri Gate entrance and platforms.
• Security: The station is monitored by CCTV cameras and has police stations and posts nearby. Security personnel from the Government Railway Police, Railway Protection Force, and Delhi Police ensure passenger safety.
• Connectivity to Metro: A 242-meter skywalk connects the Ajmeri Gate entrance to the New Delhi Metro station, which serves the Yellow Line and Airport Express Line. This direct metro link facilitates easy last-mile connectivity for passengers arriving or departing from this side.

Connectivity and Access

The Ajmeri Gate side benefits from excellent connectivity options, making it a preferred entry and exit point for many passengers:

• Delhi Metro: The New Delhi Metro station adjacent to Ajmeri Gate provides seamless access to the Yellow Line and the Airport Express Line. This connection is crucial for travelers heading to Indira Gandhi International Airport or other parts of Delhi.
• Parking Facilities: Ajmeri Gate boasts a larger parking area compared to the Paharganj side, accommodating taxis, private vehicles, and auto-rickshaws, which eases the last-mile commute.
• Road Access: The entrance at Ajmeri Gate opens onto Bhavbhuti Marg, a significant road artery that connects to other parts of Delhi, providing multiple options for onward travel.
• Foot Overbridges: The station has a network of foot overbridges (FOBs) that link various platforms and connect to the metro and parking areas. However, bottlenecks on these FOBs, especially during peak hours, often cause congestion and crowding.

Challenges and Crowd Management

Despite its many advantages, the Ajmeri Gate side faces persistent challenges due to the sheer volume of passengers and trains it handles:

• Congestion: Platforms 12 to 16 are often overcrowded, especially during festival seasons and peak travel times. The concentration of East India-bound trains on this side leads to heavy passenger surges.
• Stampedes and Safety Concerns: Historically, the Ajmeri Gate side has witnessed tragic stampedes, with fatalities reported due to overcrowding on foot overbridges and platforms. Incidents in 2010, 2012, and more recently have highlighted the urgent need for improved crowd management and infrastructure upgrades.
• Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Some escalators connecting platforms 14 and 15 have been out of service at times, exacerbating crowding issues. Cargo and vendor stalls on platforms also reduce available space for passengers, further complicating movement.
• Limited Foot Overbridge Access: The underuse of a third foot overbridge near Mithai Pul forces passengers to rely heavily on two other overburdened bridges, causing bottlenecks and long queues.

Efforts are ongoing to address these issues, including maintenance of escalators, better crowd control measures, and infrastructure enhancements to improve passenger flow and safety.

Nearby Attractions and Cultural Significance

The Ajmeri Gate side of New Delhi Railway Station is not just a transit point but also lies close to several historical and cultural landmarks:

• Ajmeri Gate: The station is named after the nearby Ajmeri Gate, a Mughal-era monument that adds historical significance to the area.
• Religious Sites: The vicinity hosts around eight temples and five mosques, including the Lankeshwar Mahadev Temple located on platforms 6 and 7, and the Masjid Ghareeb Shah on platforms 2 and 3, reflecting the diverse cultural fabric of the city.
• Heritage Structures: Other nearby Mughal-era buildings include Ghaziuddin’s Mosque, contributing to the rich architectural heritage surrounding the station.

Practical Tips for Travelers Using Ajmeri Gate Side

For passengers planning to use the Ajmeri Gate entrance, here are some useful tips:

• Choose Entry Based on Platform: If your train departs from platforms 12 to 16, entering from Ajmeri Gate is most convenient. For platforms 1 to 8, the Paharganj side is preferable.
• Arrive Early: Due to congestion, especially during festivals or peak hours, it is advisable to arrive well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes.
• Use Metro for Last-Mile Connectivity: The direct metro link at Ajmeri Gate is the fastest way to reach the station from various parts of Delhi, including the airport.
• Be Cautious of Crowds: Stay alert in crowded areas, especially on foot overbridges and platforms, and follow instructions from railway staff and security personnel.
• Porter Services: If carrying heavy luggage, consider hiring licensed porters available near the entrance for assistance.
• Parking and Taxi Services: Utilize the ample parking space and prepaid taxi services to ensure safe and hassle-free onward travel.

Conclusion

The Ajmeri Gate side of New Delhi Railway Station is a vital gateway for millions of passengers traveling to and from the capital. Its strategic location, extensive facilities, and excellent connectivity make it an essential part of the station’s operations. However, the challenges posed by heavy crowding and infrastructure limitations necessitate continuous improvements to ensure passenger safety and comfort. As one of the busiest railway station entrances in India, Ajmeri Gate remains a bustling hub that reflects the dynamic and vibrant spirit of New Delhi.

This article provides a detailed look at the Ajmeri Gate side of New Delhi Railway Station, highlighting its significance, facilities, connectivity, challenges, and traveler tips to help navigate this busy transit point effectively.