In a move aimed at decongesting its forecourts and improving passenger experience, Indian Railways has announced a major revision of parking charges at the bustling New Delhi Railway Station. This policy change, effective from December 26, 2025, comes shortly after the national carrier implemented an increase in train fares.
Rationale Behind the Parking Fee Restructuring
According to a statement from Northern Railway, which administers the New Delhi station, the primary goal is to streamline vehicular movement. The station's limited forecourt space faces constant pressure from private and commercial vehicles. Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) for Northern Railway, stated that the revised rates are designed to discourage long-duration parking in pick-up and drop-off zones while providing significant relief to commuters with shorter stays.
The new tariff structure introduces a clear distinction between private and commercial vehicles to ensure equitable use of space. A key feature is the push to keep the drop-off lanes fluid, directly addressing the chronic congestion issues at one of India's busiest railway terminals.
Breakdown of the New Parking Charges
The revised fee system brings both relief and new regulations for users of the New Delhi station's drop-off lanes.
For Private Vehicles: The first 0 to 8 minutes remain free for drop-off, unchanged from the previous policy. This free window is intended for quick passenger pick-up and drop.
For Commercial Vehicles: In a significant new rule, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and other commercial vehicles will now be charged ₹30 for the initial 0-8 minute period. This nominal fee aims to regulate the flow of commercial traffic.
Major Relief for Short-Duration Parking: Passengers will benefit from reduced rates for parking between 15 minutes and one hour. The charge for the 15 to 30-minute slot has been reduced by ₹50, from ₹200 to ₹150. An even more substantial cut applies to the 30 to 60-minute duration, where the previous steep flat rate of ₹500 has been slashed to just ₹200.
Strict Enforcement Against Long Halts
To prevent the drop-off lanes from turning into parking lots, the railways have imposed a strict 60-minute maximum limit. Vehicles are not permitted to park beyond this duration. Authorities will tow away any vehicle found violating this rule, and a towing charge of ₹300 will be levied on the owner.
This stringent measure underscores the railway's commitment to keeping the station approach clear. The period between 8 and 15 minutes sees a uniform charge of ₹50 for both private and commercial vehicles, which remains unchanged.
The revision of parking fees follows the recent hike in train fares, marking a dual approach by Indian Railways to manage its resources and infrastructure better. While passengers will pay more for travel, those using the New Delhi station for shorter stops will find some financial relief in the updated parking regime, provided they adhere to the new time limits.
