Separate arrival and departure areas as in airports, dedicated access for trains and VIP passengers, separate platforms for arrivals and departures, circulatory space and a concourse — the redevelopment of Safdarjung railway station, which is being modernised on the lines of an airport, is now at an advanced stage. The façade of the facility is close to completion, while the construction of the platform overbridges and several other amenities is underway. The station will consist of a ground floor and two other floors.
For passenger convenience, facilities such as shopping areas, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and multi-level parking will be available within the station complex. The revamp also incorporates enhanced security arrangements, modern waiting lounges and various passenger services to provide a seamless travel experience.
Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyaya, CPRO, Northern Railway, said on Friday, “The construction encompasses two distinct structures: a station building and an operational building. The station building’s completion is scheduled for this year, while both buildings, including the operational building, will be fully ready by mid-next year. A significant portion of the station building’s construction is already finished.”
The station, which is currently used mostly as a transit station for tourism-based trains, will, after the modernisation, cater to both luxury and passenger trains. “Once operational, passengers will experience world-class facilities similar to an airport, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey,” said a senior railway official.
At present, construction work is going on at the station, where the focus is on creating a multi-modal transport hub and enhanced passenger amenities. The redevelopment is part of a broader vision to decongest Delhi’s railway stations by shifting some passenger train operations to Safdarjung.
The new station building is being constructed over an area of 41,350 square metres at a cost of ₹385 crore. The project includes the construction of a seven-floor building with multiple entry and exit points. The planning has kept in mind future requirements, providing world-class facilities and ensuring a better travel experience for passengers.
Another official said that high-level travel facilities such as an air-conditioned concourse, lifts and escalators will be available at the station. “CCTV cameras have been installed for security,” he said. For crowd management, the departure and arrival areas of passengers have been segregated. The entry/exit points for passengers have also been segregated.
Among the new passenger amenities are a VIP lounge and an air-conditioned concourse. From the parking perspective, a double-basement car park is part of the redevelopment. Also, provisions have been made for travellers with disabilities. The new station building is a green building equipped with solar panel power generation and rainwater harvesting. It has applied for the IGBC gold rating.
