New Delhi Railway Station has implemented a new policy to alleviate congestion: from June 25, vehicles entering the Ajmeri Gate drop‑off zone will be charged a fee if they overstay the allotted eight‑minute grace period. This measure targets chronic congestion and aims to streamline commuter access and station operations.
Northern Railway officials confirmed the introduction of an access‑controlled parking system at New Delhi Station, mirroring successful implementations at other busy Indian railway hubs. Vehicles will enter by token or FASTag and exit through boom barriers. The first eight minutes remain free; after that, a ₹50 fee applies up to 15 minutes, with a ₹200 charge for any stay beyond that threshold. This reform addresses a long-standing problem. Everyday commuters and visitors have reported that chronic overstaying in drop zones causes extreme congestion—especially during peak morning and evening hours when multiple trains arrive in quick succession. The congestion has even forced passengers to be dropped hundreds of meters away from the station, adding inconvenience and potential safety risks.
The fee structure also responds to complaints from cab drivers and auto operators who frequently avoid Ajmeri Gate and Paharganj Gate due to incessant traffic jams. One official noted: “The deterrent is intended to encourage quick drop-offs and maintain a smooth flow of vehicles near station entrances”. This measure reflects global best practice for mobility management, where limited grace periods followed by increasing charges encourage efficient use of shared urban spaces. The system is contracted out to a private operator, generating an annual license fee of approximately ₹14.5 crore for the Railways. Additional marshals will be deployed to enforce the rules and guide drivers through the process.
A senior Northern Railway spokesperson said that the policy aims to balance civic order with commuter convenience, noting that the eight‑minute window should be sufficient for drop‑off while allowing effective traffic management around the terminal. Critics argue the fees may inconvenience some visitors—but experts point out that unattended drifting and idle vehicles worsen congestion, decrease air quality, and compromise pedestrian safety. By managing vehicular flow, the station may significantly reduce on-site emissions, aligning with the city’s zero‑carbon ambitions and broader public mobility objectives.
Transport planners caution, however, that the initiative must be complemented by alternatives—such as improved pedestrian access, real-time traffic updates, and visible signage—to avoid shifting congestion elsewhere. A transport policy analyst commented: “Introducing fees is just step one; infrastructure upgrades and clearer passenger guidelines must follow to ensure the system works seamlessly.” Northern Railway is working on integrating the initiative with digital signage to notify drivers when their grace period is ending, while public‑address systems will remind them of the time-based restrictions. A wider roll‑out model is reportedly being prepared for other key stations, including Old Delhi and Anand Vihar, once the pilot proves effective.
City‑labelling experts welcomed the concept but stressed monitoring for unintended consequences. “There’s a risk of drivers cruising around nearby roads instead of inconveniencing station entries—potentially creating new hotspots.” They suggest pairing the arrival zone fees with pedestrian priority measures like dedicated walking lanes or covered drop‑off points. Meanwhile, some consumer advocates urge clearer fee communication—especially at payment kiosks—to ensure citizens are fully informed before entering the station area, avoiding sudden charges that may cause frustration.
The station’s physical geography also poses layering challenges. Narrow roads and limited alternative off‑site drop options can constrain how far drivers can be displaced. Integrated planning with municipal traffic authorities will be essential to prevent bottlenecks from shifting into neighboring streets. Northern Railway officials said that enforcement teams have begun training ahead of the June 25 launch. FASTag integration is being tested to ensure smooth, ticketless exit processes. Simultaneously, marshals will assist passengers, especially those with gender‑neutral needs, such as women travellers, people with disabilities, and senior citizens.
While the system starts with Ajmeri Gate, a staged roll‑out is envisaged across Delhi’s other railway termini, followed by feedback‑driven iterations. Experts see this as a scalable model for station design that aligns with sustainable, commuter‑centric urban mobility—a key strategic goal in the capital’s transformation. The success of this initiative will be assessed based on measurable parameters: reduced vehicle dwell times, quicker passenger drop‑off rates, better walkway access, and lower pollution levels in station environs. If positive, stations may follow similar models: Ram Lal Marg, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and more.
Ultimately, the policy signals a shift towards pragmatic, data‑driven management of public infrastructure. Rather than infinite tolerance for overcrowding, stations are embracing defined access rights that encourage responsible usage. It sends a message that shared public spaces must be actively managed—not just opened—and that “drop‑off convenience” must come at a low cost to community safety and urban order. For now, starting June 25, every vehicle entering Ajmeri Gate will need a plan: stay under eight minutes—or pay the fee.
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