Delhi Urban Arts Commission rejects proposal to revamp rail museum

The Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC) has rejected the Central Public Works Department’s proposal to redevelop the National Rail Museum (NRM), asking for a detailed assessment of the existing museum’s shortcomings before reconsidering the project, an official said on Saturday

The Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC) has rejected the Central Public Works Department’s proposal to redevelop the National Rail Museum (NRM), asking for a detailed assessment of the existing museum’s shortcomings before reconsidering the project, an official said on Saturday.

DUAC also raised concerns over the architectural character of the proposed complex.

The DUAC, after examining the drawings and project documents, said the proposed redevelopment needed to explain more clearly how it would address the existing museum’s functional and infrastructural deficiencies.

The redevelopment plan includes a new museum building, a 300-seat auditorium, conference facilities, a food court, a fine-dining restaurant, a library, workshops, and other ancillary facilities. It also proposes the phased demolition of the existing museum complex, relocating the existing turntable to a central location and reorganising the railway tracks and outdoor exhibits around it.

Since the plan involves complete demolition and reconstruction, DUAC has demanded a comparative plan, supported by drawings, diagrams, and measurable data, that illustrates the existing deficiencies and proposed improvements.

“The submission should clearly demonstrate how these deficiencies have been addressed in the proposed redevelopment,” the commission said.

Given the museum’s location in New Delhi and its role as a national cultural destination, DUAC directed the architects to develop a more coherent architectural language. The revised design should retain the functional identity of individual components.

The commission also sought a broader master plan for the site’s long-term development.

DUAC has asked the architect to incorporate this adjoining parcel into the overall master plan and illustrate the future expansion strategy, including circulation, functional linkages, parking and phased development.

“The requisite parking requirement should be accommodated within the museum campus itself,” DUAC said.

DUAC also directed that existing trees be retained to the maximum extent possible and that tree removal be minimised.