New Delhi Railway Station entry rules have changed amid the festive-season rush, with Northern Railway introducing separate entry gates for reserved and general ticket passengers.
Travellers must now use designated gates according to their ticket category and boarding platform to enter the station.
The new arrangement also introduces one-way passenger movement, separate exit gates and additional crowd-management measures.
Passengers are advised to check their gate numbers before reaching the station to avoid confusion and unnecessary delays.
 New Delhi Railway Station Entry Rules: Which Gate to Use?
Northern Railway has designated specific gates for reserved and unreserved passengers at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS).
Passengers travelling in reserved classes, including Sleeper and AC coaches, and boarding trains from platforms 1 to 15 must use Gate No. 8 or Gate No. 11. Both entrances are marked in blue.
Passengers travelling with unreserved or general-class tickets and boarding from platforms 1 to 16 must enter through Gate No. 12, which is marked in yellow.
The colour-coded arrangement is intended to separate passenger movement and reduce congestion at the station’s main entrances, circulating areas and platforms.
Travellers should check their ticket category and platform information before choosing an entrance.
Railway personnel and signboards are available to guide passengers who are unfamiliar with the revised layout.
One-Way Entry and Exit System Introduced
Northern Railway has also introduced a one-way movement system to manage the flow of passengers inside the station.
Under this arrangement, passengers entering the station cannot use the same designated gates to leave. Separate exit gates have been assigned for passengers departing from the station.
Signboards have been installed at entry and exit points, as well as near foot overbridges, to help travellers identify the correct routes.
Passengers should follow these directions rather than attempt to move against the designated flow.
The arrangement is intended to prevent crowding caused by incoming and outgoing passengers using the same routes, particularly during busy travel periods.
Platform Ticket Sales Temporarily Suspended
Along with the revised entry arrangements, Northern Railway has temporarily suspended platform ticket sales at New Delhi Railway Station to restrict unnecessary movement onto platforms.
According to the railway’s announcement, the suspension is part of a wider measure covering six stations: New Delhi, Delhi Junction, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Ghaziabad, Anand Vihar Terminal and Anand Vihar Halt.
The restriction is in force from November 3 to November 14, 2026. Exemptions are available for people accompanying elderly, sick, specially abled, illiterate and women passengers who require assistance.
Railway employees are also using handheld ticketing devices to issue unreserved tickets directly to passengers.
This is expected to reduce dependence on conventional ticket counters and help manage queues during the festive rush.
Special Facilities for Senior Citizens and Disabled Passengers
Northern Railway has retained special arrangements for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and passengers who require wheelchair assistance.
Accessible ramps and designated pathways are available near the station gates to help passengers move through the premises.
Travellers accompanying elderly family members or people needing assistance should seek guidance from railway staff about the most convenient access route.
The station has also installed additional signboards to make it easier for passengers to identify entry points, exit routes and foot overbridge directions.
Railways Increases Special Train Services for Festive Rush
The revised station arrangements come as Indian Railways operates additional trains to handle increased passenger demand during the festive season.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on November 5 that around 18,000 special trains were being operated this festive season, compared with approximately 12,000 last year.
Additional passenger-management facilities have also been arranged at major stations, including New Delhi, Anand Vihar Terminal and Udhna in Surat.
Passenger holding areas at New Delhi and Udhna can accommodate approximately 20,000 people each.
These facilities include ticket counters, ventilation arrangements and toilets to help passengers wait before proceeding towards their trains.
For passengers travelling from New Delhi Railway Station, the immediate priority is to identify the correct entrance and follow the one-way movement instructions.
Checking the ticket category, platform number and gate colour before leaving home can help make the journey through the station smoother.
