If you frequently visit New Delhi Railway Station to drop or pick up your loved ones, here’s something important you should know. Indian Railways has recently updated its rules for vehicle access at the New Delhi Railway Station. These new rules are directly linked to the charges that passengers and vehicle drivers have to pay while entering the station premises.
From now on, dropping off or picking up passengers at the New Delhi Railway Station will cost more. These changes are part of the railways’ plan to reduce traffic congestion, improve security, and manage crowd control better at the country’s busiest railway hub.
What’s New? — Key Highlights
- Increased Entry Fees for Vehicles
- Time-Based Charges Now Implemented
- Private Vehicles & Commercial Vehicles Charged Differently
- Free Entry Time Reduced
- Penalty for Overstaying
Let’s understand what exactly is changing and how it will affect the common people.
New Charges for Vehicle Entry at New Delhi Station
Indian Railways has partnered with a private agency to manage traffic at the New Delhi Railway Station. This agency will now collect parking and entry charges from vehicles entering the station premises. The revised charges are as follows:
Private Vehicles (Cars, SUVs, etc.):
| Duration of Stay | Charges |
| 0 to 5 minutes | ₹30 |
| 5 to 30 minutes | ₹50 |
| More than 30 mins | ₹100 |
Commercial Vehicles (Taxis, Auto-Rickshaws, etc.):
| Duration of Stay | Charges |
| 0 to 5 minutes | ₹40 |
| 5 to 30 minutes | ₹75 |
| More than 30 mins | ₹150 |
Earlier, vehicles had a free time window of 10 minutes to pick up or drop passengers. Now, that free time has been reduced to just 5 minutes, and charges apply immediately after that.
Why These New Rules?
New Delhi Railway Station handles over 5 lakh passengers every day, and hundreds of vehicles enter and exit the station area round the clock. The rush often leads to massive traffic jams outside the station.
To solve this issue, Indian Railways has taken these steps:
- Improve traffic flow by discouraging long stops
- Avoid vehicle congestion near platforms and exits
- Enhance passenger safety through better crowd control
- Generate revenue to improve station infrastructure
These changes are part of Indian Railways’ modernization and smart city integration plans.
Penalty Charges and Surveillance
The new system is also supported by CCTV surveillance and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. If a vehicle stays beyond its permitted time, it will be penalized.
- Overstay without valid reason can result in a fine of ₹200 or more.
- Vehicles blocking gates or parking illegally may be towed by traffic police.
Railways have advised all drivers and passengers to cooperate with the new system and follow the time limits strictly.
Who Will Be Most Affected?
The new charges will especially affect:
- Cab drivers and online taxis like Ola/Uber who often wait for passengers
- People accompanying elderly or differently-abled persons, who may require more time
- Travelers with heavy luggage, who typically need 10–15 minutes to manage loading/unloading
To help such passengers, Indian Railways is planning to increase the number of porters (coolies) and trolleys at the platforms.
Tips for Passengers and Drivers
- Plan your drop-off or pick-up in advance.
- Use public transport or park outside the station and walk in, if possible.
- If you book a cab, inform the driver in advance to be ready at the gate, to avoid overstay.
- Avoid blocking entry/exit points to escape fines.
- Use prepaid auto/taxi booths available outside the station.
Public Reactions
These new rules have received mixed reactions from the public. Some passengers say it’s a good move for better traffic control, while others find the charges burdensome.
A commuter, Anil Sharma, said, “Earlier, I had 10 minutes to pick my family, but now I end up paying ₹50 even for a short stop. It’s becoming expensive.”
On the other hand, Sunita Verma, who travels regularly, said, “At least now there is less chaos outside the station. Cars don’t block the gates anymore.”
Final Words
The New Delhi Railway Station is one of the busiest in India, and managing its traffic is a huge task. With these new rules, Indian Railways aims to bring discipline, reduce congestion, and make the experience safer for everyone. But passengers must stay alert and plan their station visits smartly — or they’ll end up paying extra.