In a major milestone for Indian infrastructure, the Janakpuri West Metro Station on the Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro features the tallest escalator in the country, with a staggering vertical height of 15.6 metres.
This engineering marvel was introduced in 2018 as part of the Delhi Metro’s expansion and continues to stand as the tallest of its kind in India. The escalator was installed to connect the station’s deeply constructed underground levels, making the daily commute smoother and faster for thousands of passengers.
- Height: 15.6 metres (equivalent to a 5-storey building)
- Length: Approx. 35.3 metres
- Weight: 26 tonnes
- Location: Interchange between Magenta Line and Blue Line
- Installed by: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
The escalator was lowered into the underground shaft using a 250-tonne crane, marking a major logistical feat in metro construction. It was designed to meet the depth of nearly 17 metres required to access the lower platforms.
“It’s like rising out of the depths of the earth. You barely realize how far down you were,” said a commuter experiencing it for the first time.
This escalator not only offers ease of mobility but also reflects DMRC’s commitment to international-quality infrastructure. It previously held the national record before being surpassed by the 19.15-metre escalators at Mumbai Metro Line 3’s T2 station—but it remains an iconic part of Delhi’s transit history.
As metro systems in India continue to grow, innovations like these escalators symbolize a leap toward better-designed, commuter-friendly cities.
