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Railways rolls out access-control pilot at New Delhi station
Northern Railways began a pilot of new access-control systems at New Delhi Railway Station, testing entry-turnstiles at Gate 9 on the Ajmeri Gate side and establishing separate entry points for reserved and unreserved passengers. The rollout includes signage, ticket checking, and RPF involvement, with future plans for QR-code and AI-based safety features.
Why It Matters
The pilot aims to improve crowd management at a major hub and lays groundwork for future ticket-based and tech-enabled access controls.
Timeline
3 Events
Access-control pilot rolled out at Gate 9, Ajmeri Gate side
April 23, 2026
Northern Railways kicked off the access-control pilot at New Delhi Railway Station. Turnstiles allowing entry but not exit are being installed to regulate crowd flow, with separate entry points for reserved and unreserved passengers. Turnstile exits are one-sided at exit gates, and a trial is being conducted at Gate 9 on the Ajmeri Gate side. Signage is being installed; ticket checking and queue management by Commercial and Railway Protection Force staff continues.
MoR meeting decides QR-code and AI-based cameras for future entry controls
March 2026
A Ministry of Railways meeting chaired by Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw decided on long-term plans including QR-code based entry and the use of AI-based cameras for better safety, with entry regulation based on valid tickets and better segregation of reserved, monthly season ticket holders and unreserved passengers.
Yatri Suvidha Kendra opened at Ajmeri Gate side
October 2025
Last year in October, a permanent holding area — Yatri Suvidha Kendra — was opened at the Ajmeri Gate side of New Delhi Railway Station to manage festival crowd rush. It can accommodate over 7,000 passengers, with 22 ticket counters, 25 ATVMs and adequate seating and restrooms.