Tihar Jail — Location, History and Key Facts

• Official name: Tihar Prisons (Central Jail Tihar) • Location: Tihar village, Hari Nagar, West Delhi, New Delhi • Near: Janakpuri, Vikaspuri, and Uttam Nagar areas of West Delhi • Nearest metro stations: Janakpuri West (Blue Line) and Uttam Nagar East • It is within the administrative jurisdiction of the Delhi Government • The complex is spread over a large area in West Delhi

Tihar is not a single jail — it is a complex of multiple jails:

• Tihar Jail No. 1 to Jail No. 9 (within the main complex) • Also includes Rohini Jail (in Rohini, North Delhi) — added later • Mandoli Jail (also part of the Delhi Prisons system)

Capacity: • The complex is one of the largest prisons in Asia by inmate population • Official capacity: ~10,000; actual inmate population often exceeds this significantly

Prisoners held here include those under-trial, convicted prisoners, and high-profile accused.

• Established: 1958 • Run by: Delhi Prisons Department (Government of NCT of Delhi) • Administration: Inspector General of Prisons, Delhi • Known for: Rehabilitation programs — yoga, education, vocational training for inmates • Famous inmates (historically): Several high-profile political and criminal cases • The prison has its own hospital, school, and vocational centres • Inmates produce goods — handicrafts, bakery items — sold under the brand 'TIHAR' • The jail has been the subject of many books and documentaries