ORP-5 2026 Venue Guide: Why New Delhi Is the Perfect Host City and How to Get There

New Delhi: Where Science Meets Policy

The 5th International Conference on Organic and Natural Rice Production Systems (ORP-5) will be held at the A.P. Shinde Symposium Hall, NASC Complex, New Delhi, India. New Delhi was chosen as the host city for strategic reasons — it is India's capital, the seat of agricultural policy, home to premier research institutions, and perfectly positioned for international delegates.

About the NASC Complex

The NASC (National Agricultural Sciences Centre) Complex is located in the Pusa Campus area of New Delhi. It is one of India's premier agricultural conference venues, hosting numerous national and international scientific events. The complex offers:

State-of-the-art auditorium and symposium halls
High-speed internet and AV facilities for hybrid presentations
Ample parking and accessibility features
Proximity to ICAR headquarters and leading agricultural research institutions

Why New Delhi for ORP-5?

New Delhi offers several advantages as the host city for ORP-5:

Policy hub: As India's capital, New Delhi is where agricultural policy is made. The conference has the support of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
Research ecosystem: The city hosts ICAR headquarters, IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute), and numerous agricultural universities — all key partners in organic rice research.
International connectivity: Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) connects New Delhi to major cities worldwide.
Field visit access: The ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (IIFSR) in Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh — one of the conference partners — is accessible for the 24 September field visit day.
Cultural heritage: Delegates can experience India's rich history, from Mughal architecture to modern landmarks, during their stay.

How to Reach New Delhi

By Air

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is one of South Asia's largest international airports, with direct flights from major cities across the world and all parts of India. The airport is approximately 15-18 km from the city centre and well connected by metro, taxi, and app-based cab services.

From the airport to the NASC Complex:

Metro: Take the Airport Express Line to New Delhi Station, then transfer to the Yellow Line (Line 2) toward Samaypur Badli. Alight at Patel Chowk or Rafi Marg station. Total time: approximately 45-60 minutes.
Taxi/Cab: Prepaid taxi booths are available at both terminals. App-based services (Uber, Ola) are widely available. Estimated fare: Rs. 400-700 depending on traffic. Travel time: 30-60 minutes.

By Rail

New Delhi is a major railway junction with three important stations:

New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) — The main junction, connected to all major Indian cities.
Hazrat Nizamuddin (NZM) — Serves eastern and southern India routes.
Old Delhi (DLI / Delhi Junction) — Serves northern India routes.

Regular trains connect New Delhi with all major Indian states. The Vande Bharat Express, Rajdhani Express, and Shatabdi Express offer premium service to cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru.

By Road

New Delhi is linked through an extensive national highway network and is easily accessible by buses, private vehicles, and inter-state transport services from neighbouring states including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab.

NH-44 (Delhi-Mumbai) — From southern states
NH-48 (Delhi-Jaipur) — From Rajasthan
NH-334 (Delhi-Dehradun) — From Uttarakhand
NH-44 (Delhi-Amritsar) — From Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir

Local Transport in New Delhi

New Delhi has an extensive public transport network:

Delhi Metro: Fast, economical, and convenient. The closest metro stations to the NASC Complex are on the Yellow Line. A single ride costs Rs. 10-60 depending on distance. Metro cards are available at all stations.
Auto-rickshaws: Available throughout the city. Use meter or negotiate fare beforehand. Short trips cost Rs. 30-100.
App-based cabs: Uber and Ola operate widely. Recommended for airport transfers and late-night travel.
Bus: DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) buses cover the entire city. Low-floor AC and non-AC buses are available.

Hotels Near the NASC Complex

The conference does not include accommodation in the registration fee. Here is a curated list of hotels near the venue:

5-Star Option

Jaypee Siddharth: Rs. 12,000-15,000 per night ($130-170). Premium amenities, close to the venue. Foreign delegates are recommended to book directly with this hotel.

Mid-Range Options

Hotel Amrapali Grand: Rs. 3,500-5,000 + taxes per night. Clean, comfortable, good value.
Bharat Hotel: Rs. 3,000-3,500 per night. Budget-friendly with essential amenities.
Relax Inn: Rs. 5,000-6,000 per night. Modern rooms with good connectivity.
Hotel Metro: Rs. 3,000 + taxes per night (single occupancy).

Budget Options

Hotel Nice Palace: Rs. 2,000 + taxes per night (single occupancy). Basic but clean accommodation.

Government Guest Houses

NASC Guest House: Rs. 1,500-5,000 per person per day (AC room). Limited availability — request early.
ICAR-IARI/IASRI Guest House: Rs. 500-1,500 per person per day. Most affordable option.

Tip: Indian delegates interested in guest house accommodation should inform the organisers by 31 July 2026 to secure bookings.

Things to Do in New Delhi

Extend your trip and explore India's capital city:

Historical monuments: India Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb (all UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
Museums: National Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, Gandhi Smriti
Markets: Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat (handicrafts)
Food: From street food in Old Delhi to fine dining in Aerocity, New Delhi is a food lover's paradise
Day trips: Agra (Taj Mahal — 3 hours by train), Jaipur (Pink City — 5 hours by road), Rishikesh (Yoga Capital — 6 hours by road)

Weather in September

Late September in New Delhi marks the transition from monsoon to autumn. Expect:

Temperature: 25-32°C (77-90°F) during the day, 20-25°C (68-77°F) at night
Rainfall: Occasional showers possible as the monsoon retreats
Humidity: Moderate to high
What to pack: Light cotton clothing, a light jacket for evenings, an umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes

Plan Your Trip

Register for ORP-5 at www.orp5ic.com/registration and start planning your trip to New Delhi. For accommodation queries, contact info@orp5ic.com. For visa invitation letters, contact organizingsecretary@orp5ic.com.