- The proposal was forwarded directly by the Architect (online) for consideration by the Commission.
- The building plans proposal for Redevelopment of National Rail Museum received (through online) at the Conceptual Stage was scrutinized along with the submitted documentation. The Architect made a detailed online presentation through Cisco Webex Meetings, during which the design proposal was explained in detail, discussions were held, and clarifications were provided in response to the queries raised by the Commission. Based on the submission made, including drawings, documentations, photographs, the discussion held and the presentation made, the following observations are to be complied with:
a) The Commission observed from the Project Report that the proposal envisages the relocation of the existing turntable to a central location, along with the reorganization of the railway tracks and outdoor exhibits around it. The proposed redevelopment 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. The submission also indicates a phase-wise demolition of the existing development.
b) Since the proposal envisages the complete demolition and phased reconstruction of the Rail Museum complex, the architect shall submit a detailed assessment identifying the limitations of the existing museum, including deficiencies relating to visitor footfall, parking, circulation, exhibition spaces, public amenities, staff facilities, accessibility, operational requirements, and other functional and infrastructural constraints.
The submission shall also clearly demonstrate how these deficiencies have been addressed in the proposed redevelopment. A comparative statement, supported by relevant drawings, diagrams, and measurable data, shall be provided to explain the design rationale and highlight the proposed improvements in planning, circulation, visitor experience, capacity, operational efficiency, parking, and overall functionality, thereby facilitating a comprehensive assessment of the redevelopment strategy by the Commission.
c) The Commission observed that the proposal comprises interconnected building blocks accommodating the museum, auditorium, conference facilities, banquet spaces, restaurants, and other ancillary uses. However, despite being part of an integrated campus, the buildings exhibit varied architectural forms, proportions, façade treatments, material palettes, and design elements, resulting in the absence of a cohesive architectural identity.
Considering the project's strategic location in New Delhi and its significance as a national cultural destination attracting both domestic and international visitors, the Commission emphasized that the development should represent a unified and contemporary architectural character befitting its institutional importance.
Accordingly, the overall design shall be reviewed to establish a coherent architectural language through the harmonious integration of building forms, façade treatments, materials, landscape, public spaces, signage, and street furniture, while retaining the distinct functional identity of individual components. The revised proposal shall present an integrated design vision that reflects the museum's cultural significance and projects it as a landmark institution of international standards.
d) During the presentation, the Architect informed the Commission that, against the permissible FAR of 120, the proposed development utilises only about 0.34 FAR. It was further apprised that the balance permissible FAR is proposed to be accommodated in future on the adjoining NRM land parcel, which is presently under encroachment. The Commission suggested that the adjoining land parcel, along with its proposed future development potential, be incorporated in the overall master plan. The revised submission shall clearly illustrate the long-term design strategy, including the integration of existing and proposed facilities, circulation network, functional interrelationships, and future expansion, to facilitate a comprehensive understanding and assessment of the overall development scheme.
e) As indicated in the project report (2047 parking scenario), the minimum parking requirement for the proposed development is 380 Equivalent Car Spaces (ECS). However, the submitted parking plan provides only 265 ECS, comprising 126 ECS in the basement, 62 ECS at the surface level, and 77 ECS proposed in the adjoining NDMC parking area. The Commission observed that the proposed parking provision falls substantially short of the minimum requirement and is not in conformity with the applicable Building Bye-Laws.
The Commission emphasized that the requisite parking requirement shall be accommodated within the museum campus/plot itself and shall not be dependent upon adjoining parking facilities. The revised proposal shall demonstrate how the minimum parking requirement of 380 ECS, along with future parking demand arising from the site's ultimate development potential, shall be accommodated within the site boundaries.
The design shall maximise basement parking to enable the surface areas to be predominantly utilised for landscaped open spaces, public plazas, and other visitor-oriented amenities. Maximum retention of existing trees shall be ensured, with tree removal kept to the minimum. The landscape design shall be enhanced through an appropriate integration of hardscape and softscape elements to preserve the site's green character and improve its environmental quality, visual appeal, and overall visitor experience.
The Architect informed the Commission that, to strengthen last-mile connectivity, NDMC proposes to provide shuttle services between the museum complex and nearby public transport facilities, including metro stations and bus stops. While such measures may supplement accessibility, they shall not be considered a substitute for the minimum on-site parking requirement prescribed under the applicable Building Bye-Laws.
Further, the overall master plan shall incorporate the adjoining NRM land parcel, presently under encroachment, as part of the long-term development strategy. The submission shall clearly illustrate the proposed future expansion, integrated circulation system, parking strategy, functional interrelationships, and phased development so as to present a comprehensive planning and urban design framework for consideration by the Commission.
The concerned local body shall verify the adequacy and compliance of the parking provisions before granting the requisite approvals. All parking provisions shall adhere to all the applicable norms/guidelines/regulations, etc. (in terms of points no. 18 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval)), as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
f) Considering the anticipated visitor footfall and the associated safety requirements, the Commission strongly recommends that the parking be accommodated within the museum premises so as to minimize dependence on external parking facilities. The overall site planning shall ensure clear segregation of pedestrian and vehicular movement, with safe, seamless, and conflict-free circulation throughout the campus.
Accordingly, the Architect shall submit a comprehensive Mobility and Circulation Plan clearly indicating pedestrian pathways, vehicular movement, service access, emergency/fire tender movement, drop-off and pick-up areas, parking circulation, and access to all major building components. The plan shall demonstrate clear segregation of pedestrian and vehicular routes, ensuring safe, efficient, and universally accessible movement within the site, while minimizing potential conflict points and enhancing the overall visitor experience with due consideration to point No. 16, 17 the CPAA (Criteria for Project Assessment and Approval), as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
g) The proposal envisages a central entry plaza with various activity zones arranged around the central roundhouse. The Commission observed that the proposed circulation pattern requires visitors to repeatedly return to the central plaza to access different parts of the museum, thereby interrupting the continuity of movement and affecting the overall visitor experience. It is, therefore, strongly recommended that the circulation system be reviewed and redesigned to incorporate a continuous and intuitive loop, enabling seamless movement through the various exhibition and activity zones without unnecessary backtracking.
h) The revised proposal shall clearly demonstrate the overall visitor circulation strategy, including the sequence of movement through indoor and outdoor exhibits, activity zones, amenities, and public spaces. The plans, sections, elevations, and other relevant drawings shall be revised accordingly to reflect the proposed circulation pattern and its integration with the overall planning and design of the museum complex (in terms of points no.1, 2 and 4 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval), as available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
i) The Commission observed that the proposed development offers substantial roof area, which shall be optimally utilised for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The design shall maximise the generation of renewable energy to meet, to the extent feasible, the energy requirements of common areas, outdoor lighting, and other public utilities, thereby reducing dependence on conventional energy sources and mitigating the project's carbon footprint.
j) The solar PV installations shall be thoughtfully integrated into the architectural design and suitably located so as not to adversely affect the visual character and aesthetics of the development. Sustainability features shall be as per point no. 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval) are available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
k) The installation of clear-story solar panels on a well-designed structural frame, integrated with the building design, is suggested to ensure the effective utilisation of the space beneath, subject to feasibility as per building bye-laws. This placement also facilitates easy maintenance, reduces heat load through increased shading, and improves aesthetics. The sustainability features shall be as per Point 7 of the CPAA (Criterion for Project Assessment and Approval), available on the DUAC website at www.duac.org.in.
l) Considering the scale of the proposed development, a comprehensive Solid Waste Management (SWM) Plan shall be integrated with the overall master plan, clearly indicating the provisions for segregation, collection, storage, processing, recycling, and disposal of dry, wet, food, and other waste streams in accordance with the applicable statutory guidelines.
m) The proposal shall also incorporate a sustainable water management strategy, including an on-site greywater treatment and recycling system with a dual plumbing network for reuse in flushing, landscaping, and other non-potable purposes. The locations and capacities of the SWM facilities, STP, greywater treatment system, recycled water network, and other associated infrastructure shall be clearly indicated in the plans to demonstrate an integrated and environmentally sustainable development strategy.
- Overall, the proposal received at the conceptual stage lacks clarity, and needs improvement. The architect is advised to adhere to all the above observations and provide a point-by-point incorporation and response.