Striking design brings India's New Delhi station into the 21st century

The futuristic design was revealed today as part of Arup's Future Of Rail 2050 report The design consultancy says it wants to transform the station into an 'urban icon' The new site will feature 18 platforms and handle over 500,000 passengers a day Other predictions made in the report include driverless trains and ticketless travel In the future, rail stations could be powered by LNG, hydrogen and even algae Passengers will be able to make 'HoloCalls' and browse virtual shopping walls

By Helen Nicholson

Published: 18:03 EST, 23 June 2014 | Updated: 02:42 EST, 24 June 2014

With its vast indoor platforms, raised glass-panelled walkways and giant, futuristic pillars it is a far cry from the scene that greets India's rail passengers on their current daily commute.

The striking image is an artists impression of plans by a global engineering and design consultancy to transform New Delhi railway station into an urban icon for a modern, vibrant city.

Arup has been appointed to redevelop the 86 hectares that the station covers and make the site fit for 21st century travel.

'Urban icon': The computer-generated plans for the new station include vast indoor platforms, raised glass-panelled walkways and futuristic, sweeping white pillars

Outdated: The new design is a far cry from the current New Delhi railway station where passengers have to wait outdoors on crowded platforms

The proposed station - which is covered by a white ceiling and dotted with trees - will feature 18 platforms and handle in excess of 500,000 rail passengers per day.

The company hopes to completely transform the current overcrowded site, which travellers on TripAdvisor complain is chaotic, dirty and dangerous.

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Striking design brings India's New Delhi station into the 21st century