Illegal parking near Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is now under the watch of hi-tech surveillance cameras, with Delhi Traffic Police issuing over 100 e-challans in just 10 days after launching a new automated enforcement system in partnership with Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL).
The technology-driven initiative, which became operational from May 3, uses advanced Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to detect improperly parked vehicles across key airport roads and congestion-prone areas around the airport.
Officials said the move aims to tackle the long-standing problem of illegal parking near airport terminals and approach roads — a major reason behind traffic snarls, commuter inconvenience, and safety concerns in one of India’s busiest aviation hubs.
At present, 14 high-definition ANPR cameras have been installed at strategic locations including Central Spine Road, terminal approach roads, the Cargo area and the Rangpuri–Centaure Junction stretch.
Of these, 10 cameras have specifically been deployed to identify vehicles parked illegally on airport approach roads, covering nearly 15 per cent of the airport’s road network.
The system automatically captures the registration numbers of violating vehicles, following which the details are integrated with NIC and Delhi Traffic Police databases for verification before e-challans are issued under applicable traffic laws.
According to officials, improperly parked vehicles often create severe congestion on critical airport roads, obstruct emergency movement, increase the risk of accidents and pose security concerns in the sensitive airport zone.
Authorities said the surveillance network is set to expand further, with more than 50 additional ANPR cameras currently being integrated into the system. Once operational, the expanded network will significantly enhance monitoring and enforcement across roads connecting all three terminals of IGI Airport.
Besides illegal parking, the ANPR system can also detect violations such as over-speeding and wrong-side driving. In the next phase, the enforcement mechanism will also cover red-light jumping, stop-line violations, triple riding and riding without helmets.
“Improper parking around airport approach roads has been a persistent concern impacting traffic flow, passenger convenience and overall security. Through this joint initiative with Delhi Traffic Police, we are leveraging advanced technology to bring greater traffic discipline and ensure smoother vehicular movement around Delhi Airport,” said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of DIAL.
Echoing similar concerns, DCP Traffic Shobhit Saxena said the new automated enforcement system would act as a strong deterrent against habitual violators.
“Such violations not only lead to congestion and inconvenience for commuters but also create safety hazards and potential security concerns in a highly sensitive zone. Offences are now being captured and processed electronically with greater accuracy and efficiency,” he said, urging commuters to follow traffic rules around the airport area.
