Delhi Airport to get automated people mover by 2027 | Fusion - WeRIndia

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has announced plans to enhance passenger connectivity at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).

For this, it would like to introduce an automated people mover (APM), commonly known as an air train.

This major infrastructure project aims to link Terminals 1, 2, and 3 over a 7.7 km distance, connecting them with Aerocity and Cargo City stations.

The air train is expected to be operational by the end of 2027, offering a faster, more convenient mode of transportation between terminals and minimizing the airport’s environmental impact.

Currently, passengers rely on shuttle buses to travel between terminals, a service often criticized for being slow and inefficient.

The new air train will replace these buses, streamlining movement and improving the overall airport experience.

The project is estimated to cost around ₹2,000 crore, and DIAL plans to implement it under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model.

Soon the tender will be issued. They are expected to be issued in October and November, with the contract potentially being signed before the end of the financial year.

Initially, the plan included six stops along the eight-kilometre route. However, after recommendations from the government, the number of stops has been reduced to three primary stations: T1, T2/3, and Aerocity.

This revision is designed to facilitate quicker transfers and bolster security within the airport.

As the busiest airport in India, handling over 70 million passengers annually, IGIA is continuously expanding to manage future passenger traffic.

The air train is anticipated to serve 25% of the total passengers, contributing to the airport’s infrastructure development.

Once operational, the air train service will be free for passengers, with costs covered through aeronautical revenues and user development charges.

This project represents a significant step in improving passenger convenience and preparing IGIA for future growth.

Image Credit: Bharatahs, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sculpture_of_hasta_mudras_at_Indira_Gandhi_International_Airport.jpg