If you’ve ever planned a trip in or out of the capital, chances are you’ve come across the name “Purani Delhi Railway Station.” For newcomers to the city, the name can be a little confusing — is it a separate station from “Old Delhi,” or are they the same place? This guide clears up the confusion and gives you everything you need to know about its exact location, how to get there, and why it remains one of the most important railway hubs in North India.
Purani Delhi Railway Station: The Basics
“Purani Delhi Railway Station” is simply the Hindi name for Old Delhi Railway Station, officially known as Delhi Junction (station code: DLI). “Purani” translates to “old” in Hindi, so locals and long-time Delhiites often refer to it this way in everyday conversation, while tickets, signage, and official railway documents use “Old Delhi” or “Delhi Junction.”
So if a cab driver, auto-rickshaw operator, or a friend from Delhi tells you to head to “Purani Dilli station,” they mean the exact same place as Old Delhi Railway Station.
Exact Location
Purani Delhi Railway Station sits right in the heart of the old walled city, in the historic Chandni Chowk area of North Delhi. More precisely, it is located between Chandni Chowk and Kashmere Gate, close to Mori Gate. The area falls under the 110006 postal code.
The station is also near several other well-known landmarks of Old Delhi, including:
- Red Fort – a short drive or rickshaw ride away
- Jama Masjid – within a few kilometers
- Chandni Chowk Market – practically next door
- Kashmere Gate ISBT – Delhi’s largest interstate bus terminal, connected by the station’s platform layout
Because of this central positioning, the station has long served as a gateway to the old city’s markets, monuments, and heritage sites, and it remains deeply woven into the identity of Old Delhi.
A Quick Look at Its History
Purani Delhi Railway Station has a history stretching back over 160 years. It was first established in 1864, making it one of the oldest functioning railway stations in India — predating even the New Delhi Railway Station, which came up nearly six decades later in the 1950s. In its earliest days, the station primarily handled trains arriving from Calcutta (now Kolkata), operated under the East Indian Railway Company during British colonial rule.
The station’s current, more recognizable building came up later, constructed by the British administration in a style that intentionally echoes the red sandstone architecture of the nearby Red Fort. With its arched facades, red-brick exterior, and clock tower, the building visually blends into the historic character of the neighborhood it serves. Today, over a century since that reconstruction, the station continues to be one of the busiest and most vital transit points in the country.
How Big Is the Station?
Purani Delhi Railway Station isn’t just old — it’s massive in scale. Some key facts about its infrastructure:
- It has a total of 16 platforms, making it one of the largest stations in Delhi.
- The station handles both long-distance and suburban trains, connecting the capital to virtually every major region of India.
- It is considered one of the busiest stations in the country by train frequency, with a large number of trains starting, terminating, or simply passing through on a daily basis.
- Passenger footfall runs extremely high, especially during festival seasons and holiday travel periods, when the numbers passing through in a single day can be substantial.
- Platforms are connected via foot overbridges, ramps, and escalators, with ticket counters located on the ground floor and administrative offices on the upper level.
This scale is part of why the station plays such a critical role — not just for Delhi residents, but for travelers moving across the entire northern and eastern railway network.
How to Reach Purani Delhi Railway Station
Given its central location, reaching the station is fairly straightforward no matter which part of Delhi you’re coming from.
By Metro
The most convenient and commonly used option is the Chandni Chowk Metro Station on the Yellow Line of the Delhi Metro. Once you exit the metro station, you’ll find clear signage directing you toward “Old Delhi Junction.” The walk typically takes about 5 to 10 minutes, making it an easy option even with luggage.
By Bus
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) runs numerous bus routes that pass through or near the station. Some of the commonly used routes include 214, 219, 402, 236, and 243, among several others. The nearest bus stop is typically referred to as “Old Delhi Railway Station” or “Kashmere Gate,” and from there, it’s a short walk to the main entrance.
By Auto-Rickshaw or Taxi
Auto-rickshaws and taxis are widely available across Delhi and can drop you directly at one of the station’s entry gates. This is often the most flexible option, especially if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or arriving at odd hours.
By Car
If you’re driving, the station is accessible via Zorawar Singh Marg and SP Mukherjee Marg, with parking facilities available nearby for those dropping off or picking up passengers.
Why the Station Still Matters Today
Even with the rise of the New Delhi Railway Station and other newer terminals like Hazrat Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar, Purani Delhi Railway Station has held onto its relevance for a few key reasons:
- Historical significance – As one of the oldest stations in India, it represents a living piece of the country’s railway heritage.
- Central location – Its position deep within Old Delhi makes it the natural access point for travelers headed to the walled city’s markets and monuments.
- High connectivity – With trains linking it to cities across India, plus metro and bus connections, it remains one of the most accessible transit hubs in the capital.
- Cultural character – The station’s surroundings — bustling lanes, street food stalls, and the sound of vendors — offer visitors an authentic slice of old-city life that more modern stations simply don’t have.
Final Thoughts
So, to directly answer the question: Purani Delhi Railway Station is located in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi, sandwiched between Chandni Chowk and Kashmere Gate, and officially known as Delhi Junction (DLI). It’s not a separate station from “Old Delhi Railway Station” — the two names refer to the exact same historic landmark, one in Hindi and one in English.
Whether you’re catching a train, exploring the old city’s heritage sites, or simply passing through, knowing its exact location and the easiest ways to reach it — by metro, bus, auto, or car — can save you a lot of time and confusion. Given its age, scale, and central position in the city, it’s safe to say Purani Delhi Railway Station will remain one of Delhi’s most important transit landmarks for a long time to come.