 |
|
India is set to witness its first air train at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, a groundbreaking project aimed at revolutionizing passenger connectivity within the airport complex. This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), will see an automated people mover (APM) system connecting Terminals 1, 2, and 3, along with Aerocity and Cargo City. The 7.7 km air train, designed to elevate the passenger experience and streamline airport operations, is anticipated to be fully operational by the end of 2027.
The air train project, once operational, will eliminate the cumbersome and time-consuming practice of relying on buses to navigate between the various terminals. The proposed APM system will boast four strategically placed stops, strategically linking T2/3, T1, Aerocity, and Cargo City. This seamless connectivity will not only enhance passenger convenience but also contribute significantly to improving the airport's overall service quality and reducing its carbon footprint.
The air train project, currently in the bidding phase, is expected to be awarded to a successful bidder before the end of the current fiscal year. Following the award, construction is slated to commence promptly, aiming for completion within the stipulated timeframe. The project is being implemented under the design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) model, a widely adopted approach for large-scale infrastructure projects. The cost of the air train is yet to be finalized, with bidders expected to present their respective proposals, but initial estimates suggest that the project could fall under ₹2,000 crore.
The government, in its commitment to promoting efficient and sustainable transportation, has taken a firm stance against imposing development fees on passengers to finance the air train project. This decision underscores the government's dedication to ensuring that the air train remains a free and convenient mode of transport for all airport users. The air train is poised to become an integral part of the Delhi airport's infrastructure, catering to the ever-increasing passenger volumes. With over 7 crore passengers traversing the airport annually, and this number projected to double within the next 6-8 years, the air train will play a critical role in maintaining smooth passenger flow and enhancing overall travel efficiency.
Source: Delhi airport to get India's first air train, will connect Terminal 1 with T2 and T3