In the heart of Delhi’s bustling Chandni Chowk lies the Old Delhi Railway Station, established in 1864. Officially known as Delhi Junction, this is one of the oldest and most significant stations in the whole country. The station serves as an integral link connecting the capital to different regions of India. Beyond its extensive network, Old Delhi Station stands out with its distinctive red-brick architecture and long platforms. At first glance, you will think the station resembles that of the Red Fort and you will not be mistaken! Needless to say, the station stands as a testament to its rich history and modernity, catering to millions of passengers annually. If you are relocating to Delhi or want to learn more about Purani Delhi Railway Station, here’s a blog for you! Here, we will talk about its history, facilities, location, and more.
History of Old Delhi Railway Station
Inaugurated in 1864, during the British colonial era, Old Delhi Junction was once a part of the East Indian Railway Company. There was only a metre-gauge track from Delhi to Rewari. Later, the station connected with the Rajputana State Railway, and the Agra-Delhi line opened in 1904. Old Delhi Railway Station also served as a crucial link between Delhi and Kolkata for freight trains as well as passengers and was linked to East Indian Railway, North Western Railway, among other railway systems.
During independence, Old Delhi Station was a strategic point for transporting not only people but also resources. The station became a place for demonstrations and protests, reflecting the political fervour at the time. Even today, the station has its charm and serves as an essential junction.
| Feature | Description |
| Name | Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI) |
| Also Known As | Dilli Junction |
| Location | Chandni Chowk, Delhi-110006, India |
| Established | 1864 |
| Architectural Style | Mughal-inspired, red brick facade with arches and clock towers |
| Lines | Broad gauge and metre gauge |
| Platforms | 16 |
| Traffic | Over 250 trains arriving, departing, or passing through daily |
| Significance | Oldest railway station in Delhi |
Location of Purani Delhi Railway Station
Situated in the heart of Delhi, the railway station is accessible by bus, metro, auto-rickshaw, and car. Below, we provide a brief overview of two crucial transportation modes to and fro the station:
1. By Metro
The nearest metro station from Purani Delhi Railway Station is Chandni Chowk which is on Yellow Line of DMRC. If you take Chandni Chowk Metro Station, follow the signs towards Old Delhi Junction. It will take you around 5-10 minutes from the metro station to reach the railway station.
2. By Bus
Delhi Transport Corporation connects Old Delhi Railway Station through many bus routes. The key bus routes are 214, 219, 402, 236, 243, etc. The nearest bus stop is Old Delhi Railway Station/Kashmere Gate – once you drop at the station, you can follow the signs to the main entrance.
Since auto rickshaws and cabs are widely available throughout the city, you can easily avail of any to and fro Delhi Junction. You can also take your vehicle to the station; however, remember that parking is limited. As Chandni Chowk is one of the busiest areas in Delhi, you should plan to stay prepared for heavy traffic during peak hours.
Facilities Available at Old Delhi Junction
Old Delhi Railway Station DLI offers an array of facilities to make sure travellers enjoy a comfortable experience. Here are the key amenities you can find at Old Delhi Junction:
1. Waiting Areas and Accommodation
You can find AC and general waiting areas at DLI Railway Station. In addition, retiring rooms and dormitories are also available. It’s recommended to book accommodation early after your booking because they get filled quickly.
2. Inquiry
We know how confusing it gets to track your trains – whether running late or which platform they would be on. Besides the electronic display boards, you will find enquiry counters or help desks to help passengers regarding schedules, platforms, or any other queries.
3. For Disabled Passengers
Old Delhi Railway Station has accessible ramps along with wheelchairs on request. There are also elevators for ease of movement. Plus, one can find specially designed restrooms for differently-abled passengers.
Apart from these facilities, you can benefit from porter services, free Wi-Fi, multiple ATMs, and clean drinking water facilities at Delhi Junction.
Old Delhi Railway Station is indeed a gem not only for connecting Delhi to different parts of India but also for its architectural style. You can visit Red Fort, Jama Masjid, St. James’ Church, and other landmarks nearby. With Chandni Chowk Metro being the nearest metro station to Old Delhi Railway Station, you can explore the real Delhi vibe. After all, these are some of the things to do before you call yourself a Delhite! Just in case you are moving to Delhi and wondering how to make the place your home, visit RentoMojo and shop for essential furniture and appliances!
FAQs
What is the name of the Old Delhi Railway Station?
Delhi Junction Railway Station is the name of the oldest railway station in Old Delhi.
Are NDLs and DLI the same?
The station code for Old Delhi Railway Station is DLI, and the code for New Delhi Railway Station is DLI.
Is the metro connected to Old Delhi Railway Station?
The closest metro station to Delhi Junction Railway Station is Chandni Chowk, an underground station.
Which colour is the metro line near Old Delhi Station?
The Yellow Line of DMRC connects to Delhi Junction.
How to reach Old Delhi Junction from New Delhi Junction?
You can take an auto-rickshaw or cab from anywhere in Delhi. You can also take buses that pass through Kashmere Gate or the Yellow Line metro to get off at Chandni Chowk.
How many platforms are in Old Delhi Railway Station?
Old Delhi Junction has 16 platforms for various trains along with separate platforms for long-distance trains.
