Delhi Airport To Launch India’s First Futuristic Air Train; ₹ 3,500 Crore Project To Facilitate Faster Terminal Transfers

Delhi is on track to introduce its first air train, transforming how passengers move between terminals at Indira Gandhi International Airport. This air train, also called a Sky Train, will streamline transfers between terminals, making it a faster and smoother experience for passengers, especially those with connecting flights.

Delhi Airport To Launch India’s First Futuristic Air Train

Currently, passengers rely on DTC buses to navigate between terminals, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. But Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), led by the GMR group, is working on a solution. In collaboration with their French partner Aeroports de Paris (Groupe ADP), they are finalising plans for a state-of-the-art air train system.

As one of the busiest airports globally, Delhi’s air train will revolutionise passenger transfers. The airport already handles over 70 million passengers annually, with plans to accommodate 130 million in the coming years. With 25 per cent of travellers being transit flyers, this new system will significantly improve efficiency.

The project is estimated to cost around ₹ 3,500 crore. The central government has directed DIAL and its Singapore-based consultant GMR to fund the project without imposing development fees on passengers until it is fully operational. Typically, air trains around the world are free for passengers, funded through aeronautical charges like landing and parking fees or User Development Fees (UDFs) set by the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).

What Is An Air Train?

An air train, commonly known as a Sky Train at airports worldwide, operates on an Automated People Mover (APM) system. Its main purpose is to cut down transfer times between terminals. It is an essential feature for passengers, especially those on connecting flights, making the transfer smoother and quicker.

Delhi’s proposed air train will cover 7.7 km and will stop at four locations: Terminal 2/3, Terminal 1, Aerocity, and Cargo City. This seamless connectivity between terminals will enhance passenger convenience, boost the airport’s service quality, and lower its carbon footprint.

The air train project is progressing, with bids expected to be received in October and November 2024. The winning bid will be determined based on cost, and whether the bidder proposes a revenue-sharing model or needs viability gap funding. If everything goes as planned, the contract will be awarded before the fiscal year ends. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

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An alternative route is also under consideration, extending the track to 8 km and adding two more stops at hotels and office areas in Aerocity. While this option may increase travel time between Terminals 1 and 2/3, it also raises security concerns at non-terminal stops. Authorities are carefully evaluating both options.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons