Delhi Metro unveils first split-station design with 45m footbridge at Khanpur & Ambedkar Nagar

Khanpur and Ambedkar Nagar stations on Delhi Metro’s new Golden Line (Tughlaqabad–Aerocity corridor) will feature the city’s first-ever split-station design. Commuters will experience a unique layout where concourses are split on either side of the road instead of being centrally located, providing a new approach to station design in congested urban areas.

“Each station will have platforms on two different structures located on opposite sides of the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road. A 45-metre-long footbridge will link the two buildings, ensuring seamless commuter movement,” said an official. This ensures commuters can access platforms from either side without having to cross the busy road at grade.

The split-station design allows DMRC to maintain full metro functionality while avoiding large-scale land acquisition. “By splitting the station across the road, DMRC has avoided the need for large-scale land acquisition while still providing full metro functionality,” said the official. This approach addresses space constraints in densely populated urban areas.

Unlike conventional Delhi Metro stations that have two levels (platform and concourse), Khanpur and Ambedkar Nagar stations will feature three levels: platform, concourse, and footbridge. This innovative design helps manage commuter flow efficiently while integrating pedestrian connectivity across the road.

The distance from road level to platform level at these stations is around 20 metres, significantly taller than regular stations. Each station has a width of nine metres, whereas platforms at other stations typically range between three to four metres. These specifications were necessary to fit the station structures within the limited urban space while maintaining operational standards.

To ensure smooth and safe passenger movement, eight escalators and four lifts will provide vertical connectivity from the ground to the platform level and vice versa. This is higher than the typical three to four lifts in standard metro stations, highlighting a focus on commuter convenience and accessibility, especially for elderly and differently-abled passengers.

“This marks a first-of-its-kind milestone for DMRC, showcasing how metro systems can adapt to the challenges of dense urban environments while prioritising commuter convenience and safety,” said the official. The design not only improves commuter experience but also ensures safe crossing of a busy road through the elevated footbridge, minimizing disruptions to road traffic.