Recently, the Indira Gandhi International Airport or the IGIA in Delhi achieved a historic milestone. It inaugurated what is the country’s first fourth runway. In addition to the fourth runway, the Eastern Cross Taxiway or the ECT has also been built. Combined with the new upcoming Terminal 1, it will not only increase the airport’s capacity but will also help in reducing carbon emissions. Here are some stunning pictures of the new runway at Delhi Airport!
Photos Delhi Airport’s New Runway
Views of the newly opened elevated taxiway at the eastern end of DEL airport, and of the nearing-completion T1 new terminal. #Delhiairport pic.twitter.com/NRymX0XG9E
— Sanjiv Kapoor (@TheSanjivKapoor) July 23, 2023
The new runway was inaugurated on the 14th of July, Friday. In addition to becoming the first airport in the country to have a fourth runway, it also became the first to have an elevated taxiway. This will be a dual taxiway which means that it will allow passage for two large jetliners.
Efficiency in motion! Kudos to the impressive Dual Taxiways at #DelhiAirport, making air traffic control easier. A smoother air travel experience for passengers, and a testament to modern aviation prowess! #EaseElevated #DelhiAirport #DELairport pic.twitter.com/sHcANje6Om
— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) July 24, 2023
The new runway is called 11L-29R and is 4,400 metres in length. The runway is 45 metres wide and can handle jets with a wide body like those of Boeing 747-8, Airbus 380 and Boeing 777. According to an article by Business Today, the runway was completed in 2021.
Air India’s largest bird Boeing 777-300ER using India’s first and only elevated taxiway at Delhi Airport! ❤️
The first-of-its-kind dual elevated taxiway which was inaguarated recently will reduce time spent on the tarmac by flyers before take-offs and after landings by 15 to 20… pic.twitter.com/gwpdiJFD15— Ravish Kudchadkar (@ravishkudchadkr) July 25, 2023
However, its inauguration was delayed owing to the delay in the procurement of the instrument landing system or the ILS. This delay was due to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. However, the runway is now operational.
Details About The New Eastern Cross Taxiway
A new era of operational excellence has begun for Delhi Airport, with India’s first-ever elevated dual taxiway which was inaguarated recently will reduce time spent on the tarmac by flyers before take-offs and after landings by 15 to 20 minutes… pic.twitter.com/dh8ChF7uHw
— Subramanian Sundararaman (@Subrama32780300) July 21, 2023
The new ECT will be an elevated one. This means that while giant jetliners cruise on the taxiway above, cars and other land transport can function below. This will not only make for a marvellous spectacle but will also help reduce tonnes of carbon emissions.
Delhi airport’s elevated taxiway is now operational pic.twitter.com/3ITXLTwy37
— Gaurav (@iamGrvJ) July 18, 2023
The ECT measures 2.1 kilometres in length and is 44 metres wide. The two lanes of the taxiway have a gap of 47 metres which will enable the safe transit of two planes without the threat of collision. This ECT will reduce 7 kilometres of taxi distance for aircraft, thus saving time and fuel.
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What do you think about this remarkable feat? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image Credits: @TheSanjivKapoor/Twitter
First Published: July 25, 2023 12:52 PM