The Ashram Metro station in Delhi is known to be the smallest metro station in the world. It is a part of the 9.7-kilometre section of Delhi Metro’s Pink Line, this underground station spans a mere 151.6 metre in length, significantly smaller than the average 265 metre for other metro stations.
The construction of the Ashram Metro Station was challenging. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had to overcome numerous legal battles for land acquisition at one of Delhi’s busiest intersections. These delays prompted the designers to devise a space-saving solution, resulting in the world’s smallest metro station.
We share the details of Ashram Metro Station on the Delhi Metro network.
See also: Traveller’s guide to Rithala Metro Station Delhi
Ashram Metro Station: History and design
The Ashram Metro Station became operational on December 31, 2018, as part of Phase 3 of Delhi’s metro expansion project. The station’s construction faced challenges due to land acquisition legal battles, forcing designers to devise an innovative approach. Instead of waiting two years to acquire private land, they crafted a space-saving design that reduced the station’s length.
Ashram Metro Station: Information
| Station Name | Ashram Metro Station |
| Station Structure | Underground |
| Opened On | December 31, 2018 |
| Operated By | Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) |
| Located on | Pink Line of Delhi Metro |
| Number of Platforms | 2 |
| Pincode | 110014 |
| Previous Metro Station | Vinoba Puri Metro Station |
| Next Metro Station | Sarai Kale Khan – Nizamuddin Metro Station |
Ashram Metro Station Layout
Unlike traditional two-level metro stations, Ashram features three distinct levels, including the concourse, platform and mezzanine floors. This layout includes:
- Street Level: Exit/Entrance
- Concourse (C): Fare control, station agent, ticket/token, shops
- Mezzanine (M)
- Platform 1 (P): Southbound, towards Shiv Vihar, next station is Sarai Kale Khan – Nizamuddin.
- Platform 2 (P): Northbound, towards Majlis Park; next station is Vinobapuri.
Upon arriving at the Ashram Metro Station, commuters are greeted by captivating artwork depicting the ‘mother and child theme.’ The station’s colour scheme, resonating with abundance, complements the artistic display, making the transit experience convenient and visually appealing.
Entry/Exit Gates
The station has well-planned entry/exit gates such as:
- Gate No-1: Hari Nagar Ashram, NAFED
- Gate No-2: Maharani Bagh and New Friends colony, Fire Station Mathura Road (Damkal Kendra)
- Gate No-3: Siddharth Enclave and DESU colony, CSIR Apartments, Bhogal, Jeewan Nagar, and Village Kilokari and Mathura Road
Pink Line Route and Timings
The Ashram Metro Station caters to the diverse needs of passengers travelling on the Pink Line, covering a total length of 58.43 km and comprising 38 stations, including six interchange line stations. This line, operating since 2018, facilitates smooth travel for passengers and its expansion plans will further enhance the metro experience.
The metro services operate from 6:00 AM to around 11:00 PM.
Ashram Metro Station route
The Ashram Metro Station is located on the route between Majlis Park and Shiv Vihar. There are 19 stations between Majlis Park and Ashram Metro Station in one direction and 18 stations between Shiv Vihar and Ashram Metro Station in the opposite direction.
| S No. | Metro Station Name |
| 1 | Majlis Park |
| 2 | Azadpur |
| 3 | Shalimar Bagh |
| 4 | Netaji Subhash Place |
| 5 | Shakurpur |
| 6 | Punjabi Bagh West |
| 7 | Esi-Basaidarapur |
| 8 | Rajouri Garden |
| 9 | Mayapuri |
| 10 | Naraina Vihar |
| 11 | Delhi Cantt. |
| 12 | Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus |
| 13 | Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah Moti Bagh |
| 14 | Bhikaji Cama Place |
| 15 | Sarojini Nagar |
| 16 | Dilli Haat – Ina |
| 17 | South Extension |
| 18 | Lajpat Nagar |
| 19 | Vinobapuri |
| 20 | Ashram |
| 21 | Sarai Kale Khan – Nizamuddin |
| 22 | Mayur Vihar -I |
| 23 | Mayur Vihar Pocket-1 |
| 24 | Trilokpuri-Sanjay Lake |
| 25 | East Vinod Nagar-Mayur Vihar -Ii |
| 26 | Mandawali – West Vinod Nagar |
| 27 | I.P. Extension |
| 28 | Anand Vihar Isbt |
| 29 | Karkarduma |
| 30 | Karkarduma Court |
| 31 | Krishna Nagar |
| 32 | East Azad Nagar |
| 33 | Welcome |
| 34 | Jafrabad |
| 35 | Maujpur-Babarpur |
| 36 | Gokulpuri |
| 37 | Johri Enclave |
| 38 | Shiv Vihar |
Ashram Metro Station: Penalties
| Offences | Penalties |
| Any demonstration or unauthorised writing/pasting in compartments | It leads to exclusion from the event, removal from the compartment, and a fine of Rs 500 |
| Unlawful entry onto the Metro track | It results in a fine of Rs 150 |
| Entering the female coach unlawfully | It calls for a fine of Rs 250 |
| Drinking, spitting, sitting on the floor, or quarrelling in the metro | It results in a penalty of Rs 200 |
| Obstructing officials on duty | It attracts a fine of Rs 500 |
| Travelling without a pass or ticket | It includes a fine of Rs 50 and the maximum fare. |
| Carrying offensive material | A fine of Rs 200. |
| Misusing the communication means or alarm inside the train | It incurs a fine of Rs 500 |
Ashram Metro Station: Places to visit nearby
Shopping
Explore the Ashram Market for budget-friendly clothing and household items, or visit the New Friends Colony Community Center for upscale boutiques and brands.
Restaurants
Relish authentic Delhi street food at local dhabas or savour Mughlai cuisine at the Nizamuddin Dargah Bazaar. One can also explore fine-dining experiences with Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines. Govinda’s, Sagar Ratna and The Gol Chakkar Cafe are other popular food outlets nearby.
FAQs
Which metro line is Ashram Metro Station a part of?
Ashram Metro Station is a part of the Pink Line of Delhi Metro.
What are the facilities available at Ashram Metro Station?
Ashram Metro Station offers various facilities to passengers, including ticket counters, shops and fare control in its unique three-level layout.
What are the nearby metro stations to Ashram Metro Station?
The previous metro station to Ashram is Vinoba Puri Metro Station and the next is Sarai Kale Khan - Nizamuddin Metro Station.
What is the theme of the captivating artwork at Ashram Metro Station?
The artwork at Ashram Metro Station depicts the theme of 'mother and child.'
Where can visitors enjoy authentic Delhi street food near Ashram Metro Station?
Visitors can explore authentic Delhi street food at local dhabas and roadside vendors nearby.
What is the operating schedule of the Pink Line?
The Pink Line operates from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
