When it comes to railway travel in India, few stations carry the historical weight, bustling energy, and logistical significance of Old Delhi Railway Station, also known as Delhi Junction (station code: DLI). Nestled in the heart of India’s capital, this iconic station is a gateway to the past and a vital hub for modern travelers. Whether you’re a first-time visitor searching for “Old Delhi train timings” or a seasoned rail enthusiast exploring “Delhi Junction platforms,” this comprehensive guide has everything you need to know before boarding at this trending travel hotspot in 2025.
Old Delhi Railway Station is more than just a transit point—it’s a living testament to India’s railway legacy, connecting millions of passengers to destinations across the country. With 16 platforms, a rich history dating back to 1864, and a daily influx of over 350,000 passengers, it ranks among India’s busiest stations. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the station’s layout, train schedules, passenger facilities, historical facts, and practical tips to ensure your journey is smooth and memorable. Let’s get started!
Overview of Old Delhi Railway Station
Old Delhi Railway Station, officially Delhi Junction, is located near Chandni Chowk and Kashmere Gate in the Central district of Delhi. Established in 1864 during British colonial rule, it’s the oldest railway station in Delhi and a key player in the Northern Railway (NR) zone. Its strategic location makes it a critical junction for long-distance trains, suburban services, and local commuters alike. Today, it handles approximately 250 trains daily, ranging from superfast expresses to local EMUs (Electric Multiple Units).
The station’s red-brick architecture, reminiscent of the nearby Red Fort, blends historical charm with modern upgrades like escalators and Wi-Fi. Whether you’re catching the Shatabdi Express or a local train to Ghaziabad, understanding the station’s layout and services is essential for a hassle-free experience.
Number of Platforms
Old Delhi Railway Station boasts 16 platforms, each serving a mix of long-distance and local trains. Here’s a breakdown:
| Platform Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 1–6 | Primarily for local and suburban trains, accessible without the foot-over bridge |
| 7–16 | Used for long-distance trains, accessible via the foot-over bridge |
Note: Platforms 1–6 are closer to the main entrance (Chandni Chowk side), while Platform 16 is near the Kashmere Gate entrance, adjacent to the Interstate Bus Terminal (ISBT).
Platform Layout and Usage
The station’s layout is designed to handle a high volume of traffic efficiently. Platforms are connected by foot-over bridges, inclined ramps, and escalators, ensuring accessibility. Here’s how they’re typically utilized:
| Platform Range | Usage | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1–6 | Local trains, EMUs, and some express trains | Direct access from the main entrance, shorter platforms |
| 7–12 | Long-distance express and superfast trains | Longer platforms for 24-coach trains |
| 13–16 | Major terminating/originating trains | Proximity to Kashmere Gate exit, pit lines for maintenance |
Trending Insight: Searches for “Old Delhi platform layout” spike during peak travel seasons like Diwali and Holi, reflecting the need for clear navigation info.
Major Train Categories
Old Delhi Junction hosts a diverse range of train types, catering to various travel needs. Here’s a tabular overview:
| Train Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi | Premium superfast trains for short distances | Delhi–Amritsar Shatabdi |
| Rajdhani | High-speed, AC-only luxury trains | Delhi–Mumbai Rajdhani |
| Mail/Express | Common long-distance trains | Jammu Tawi Express |
| Superfast | Faster than regular express trains | Punjab Mail |
| Garib Rath | Affordable AC travel | Delhi–Patna Garib Rath |
| Passenger/MEMU/EMU | Local and suburban services | Delhi–Panipat EMU |
| Vande Bharat | Semi-high-speed, modern trains | Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat |
Total Trains: As of 2025, Old Delhi sees 70 originating, 69 terminating, and 64 halting trains, per IndiaRailInfo data.
Number of Trains Running From Old Delhi
The station’s traffic is staggering. Here’s a snapshot:
| Category | Number of Trains |
|---|---|
| Originating Trains | 70 |
| Terminating Trains | 69 |
| Halting Trains | 64 |
| Total Daily Trains | Approx. 250 |
Fun Fact: During festive seasons, special “mela trains” increase this number, making Old Delhi a trending topic on platforms like X for “Delhi train updates.”
Train Timings (Sample Schedule)
Train timings vary daily, but here’s a sample based on popular routes (sourced from IndiaRailInfo and RailYatri):
| Train Name | Train Number | Departure Time | Destination | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi–Amritsar Shatabdi | 12013 | 04:30 PM | Amritsar | 7 |
| Punjab Mail | 12137 | 08:40 PM | Firozpur | 10 |
| Delhi–Patna Garib Rath | 22410 | 07:10 PM | Patna | 12 |
| Delhi–Panipat EMU | 64471 | 06:00 AM | Panipat | 3 |
| Delhi–Varanasi Vande Bharat | 22436 | 06:00 AM | Varanasi | 14 |
Tip: Always check real-time updates via the IRCTC app or station enquiry counters, as delays are common.
Local Trains and Timings
Old Delhi is a hub for local commuters. Here’s a sample of local train timings:
| Train Type | Route | Departure Time | Frequency | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMU | Delhi–Ghaziabad | 07:30 AM | Every 30 mins | 2 |
| MEMU | Delhi–Panipat | 08:15 AM | Hourly | 4 |
| Passenger | Delhi–Shamli | 09:00 AM | Every 2 hours | 5 |
Total Local Trains: Approximately 24 EMU, 19 MEMU, and 13 Passenger trains operate daily.
Passenger Facilities
Old Delhi Railway Station offers a range of amenities to enhance traveler comfort:
- Waiting Rooms: AC and non-AC options available; book early during peak seasons.
- Retiring Rooms/Dormitories: Ideal for overnight stays; reservations via IRCTC.
- Food Courts: Stalls offering local delicacies like chole bhature, plus chains like McDonald’s.
- Wi-Fi: Free connectivity across the station.
- Accessibility: Ramps, wheelchairs, and elevators for differently-abled passengers.
- Parking: Spaces for two-wheelers and four-wheelers near both entrances.
- Cloakrooms: Secure luggage storage for a small fee.
Trending Keyword: “Old Delhi passenger facilities” is a hot search term, reflecting growing interest in station upgrades.
Station Services and Counters
Key services include:
- Ticket Counters: Open 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (weekdays), 8:00 AM–2:00 PM (Sundays).
- Enquiry Desk: Assistance with train schedules and platform info.
- Computerized Reservation: Book tickets onsite or via the IRCTC app.
- ATMs: Multiple options for cash withdrawals.
- Lost and Found: Located near the main entrance.
Helpline Numbers
For emergencies or assistance:
- Station Enquiry: 011-23562389, 011-23662383
- Railway Helpline: 139 (24/7)
- Police Assistance: 100
- Medical Emergency: 108
Historical and Interesting Facts
Old Delhi Railway Station is steeped in history:
- Inauguration (1864): Began operations with a broad-gauge train from Calcutta, marking the start of Delhi’s rail connectivity.
- Red Fort Inspiration: The current building, opened in 1903, mirrors the architectural style of the nearby Red Fort.
- Independence Era: Served as a strategic hub for transporting people and resources during the freedom struggle.
- Gauge Transition: Shifted from metre-gauge to broad-gauge in 1994, with metre-gauge traffic rerouted to Delhi Sarai Rohilla.
- Solar Power: In 2016, plans for a 2.2 MW rooftop solar project were announced, showcasing modernization efforts.
Interesting Tidbit: The station once had just 2 platforms and served 1,000 passengers daily—compare that to today’s 350,000!
Tips for Travelers
Navigating Old Delhi can be daunting, but these tips will help:
- Arrive Early: Reach at least 1 hour before departure to account for crowds and security checks.
- Use the Metro: The Chandni Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line) is a 5-minute walk away, easing access.
- Platform Navigation: For Platforms 7–16, take the green path to the foot-over bridge; Platforms 1–6 are directly accessible via the red path.
- Beware of Touts: Avoid unofficial guides offering “quick tickets” or porter services.
- Kashmere Gate Entry: North Delhi travelers can save time by entering from Platform 16.
- Pack Light: Narrow lanes and crowded platforms make heavy luggage a hassle.
Trending Tip: “Old Delhi travel tips” is gaining traction online as more tourists seek insider advice.
Other Major Information
- Connectivity: Well-linked to the city via buses (ISBT Kashmere Gate, 1.1 km away), taxis, and auto-rickshaws.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, or Chandni Chowk markets if you have time.
- Airport Access: Indira Gandhi International Airport is 18 km away (approx. 45-minute drive).
FAQs About Old Delhi Railway Station
Q1: How many platforms does Old Delhi Railway Station have?
A: It has 16 platforms, with 1–6 for local trains and 7–16 for long-distance services.
Q2: What’s the station code for Old Delhi?
A: The station code is DLI.
Q3: Which major trains depart from Old Delhi?
A: Key trains include the Shatabdi Express, Punjab Mail, Garib Rath, and Vande Bharat Express.
Q4: Are there local trains from Old Delhi?
A: Yes, around 56 local trains (EMU, MEMU, Passenger) operate daily to nearby cities like Ghaziabad and Panipat.
Q5: What facilities are available?
A: Waiting rooms, food stalls, Wi-Fi, retiring rooms, and accessibility features are provided.
Q6: How do I reach Platform 16?
A: Use the foot-over bridge from the main entrance or enter directly from the Kashmere Gate side.
Q7: Is there a metro station nearby?
A: Yes, Chandni Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line) is a short walk away.
