The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has announced plans to relocate Tihar Jail to the city’s outskirts, allocating ₹10 crore for survey and consultancy services in the 2025-26 budget. This decision is driven by pressing overcrowding and safety concerns, as Tihar currently houses over 19,000 inmates—almost double its designed capacity of 10,025.
As part of this initiative, a new society for prisoner rehabilitation will be established to promote skill development and support the professionalisation of manufacturing units within the prison system. While the relocation aims to decongest facilities like Tihar, Mandoli, and Rohini Jails, challenges such as finding suitable land and navigating lengthy construction timelines remain significant hurdles.
A Step Towards Prison Reform
Presenting the budget on March 25, CM Rekha Gupta underscored the urgent need to relocate Tihar Jail to enhance inmate welfare and mitigate security risks associated with its current location near densely populated areas like Tilak Nagar. “In order to decongest the existing Tihar Jail Complex for the welfare of prisoners, a new scheme for development of a new Jail Complex has been formulated,” Gupta stated.
The proposed site in Narela is expected to require up to 500 acres to accommodate future demands and ensure that facilities adhere to modern standards. In addition to the relocation plan, Gupta announced the establishment of a society under Delhi Jail’s aegis aimed at focusing on rehabilitation through skill-imparting programs. This initiative will also include preferential procurement of products made by inmates, thereby creating a sustainable model for their reintegration into society.
Challenges and Context
Established in 1958 with an initial capacity of just 1,273 inmates, Tihar Jail has evolved into India’s largest prison complex, comprising nine facilities spread over more than 400 acres. Overcrowding has become a critical issue; Mandoli Jail currently houses over 3,900 inmates against a designed capacity of 3,776. This situation has strained resources and severely impacted living conditions for inmates.
Previous attempts to address overcrowding included proposals for retrofitting existing structures to vertically expand capacity; however, these measures have not sufficed. Experts caution that relocating Tihar will require substantial time and resources for land acquisition and construction of modern facilities that align with contemporary standards—similar to designs proposed for Cellular Jail in Narela.
Stakeholder Reactions
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from various stakeholders involved in criminal justice reform and community welfare. Human rights activists have largely welcomed the move as a progressive step towards addressing chronic overcrowding but stress the necessity for immediate measures to improve conditions in existing jails.
“While relocation is necessary, we cannot ignore the plight of those currently incarcerated,” said Anjali Sharma, a prominent human rights advocate. Local residents have also voiced their concerns regarding potential disruptions during construction and the implications of having a jail in their vicinity again. Many fear that relocating Tihar could lead to increased traffic congestion and noise pollution during construction phases.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The relocation of Tihar Jail represents a pivotal opportunity to redefine prison systems with an emphasis on rehabilitation and humane treatment. As advocates for social justice and reform, we believe it is crucial that this initiative not only addresses overcrowding but also fosters an environment conducive to skill development and successful reintegration into society post-incarceration.
By investing in rehabilitation programs and creating modern facilities that prioritise inmate welfare, we can set a precedent for reimagining prisons as centres for transformation rather than mere punishment. What steps do you think should be taken to balance infrastructure development with inmate welfare? Share your thoughts below!
