India’s First Airport Air Train: Delhi Airport to Enhance Connectivity by 2027

In a major step towards revolutionizing airport connectivity in India, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has announced plans to introduce India’s first Delhi Airport air train by the end of 2027. The much-anticipated automated people mover (APM) will make traveling between the airport’s far-flung terminals significantly faster and more convenient. The 7.7-kilometer route, which will connect Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2/3 (T2/3), Aerocity, and Cargo City, is expected to ease passenger movement across the country’s busiest airport.

The air train promises a seamless transition for millions of passengers who currently rely on buses for terminal transfers. With an estimated capacity of over 13 crore passengers annually within the next 6-8 years, the Delhi Airport air train will address the growing demand for efficient transit, particularly for the 25% of passengers who are in transit between T1 and T3/2.

Air Train: Seamless Connectivity for Passengers

The introduction of the air train will eliminate the need for passengers to rely on buses to move between terminals. Currently, the distance between T1 and T3/2 requires time-consuming travel on the city-side road using DTC buses, a system that will soon be obsolete. The new air train system is set to drastically reduce transit times, improving convenience for passengers and enhancing the airport’s overall efficiency.

The Delhi Airport air train will have four stops: T2/3, T1, Aerocity, and Cargo City. This route will allow not only passengers but also cargo operators to navigate the sprawling Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) effortlessly. DIAL has confirmed that the project will follow the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, aiming to offer world-class passenger service while maintaining a focus on sustainability and carbon footprint reduction.

First of Its Kind in India

India’s busiest airport, handling over 7 crore passengers annually, is preparing for the future with this game-changing initiative. The air train will be the first of its kind in the country, following international standards of modern airport infrastructure. Globally, air trains are standard at major airports, providing free and efficient transit for passengers. Delhi’s move towards this system represents a significant step forward in enhancing the passenger experience and keeping pace with global standards.

Sources say DIAL has issued the tender for the air train, and bids are expected in October and November of this year. The winner will be selected based on cost efficiency and the business model offered, with options including a revenue-sharing arrangement or viability gap funding.

Environmental and Passenger Benefits

Beyond the obvious convenience of quick transit between terminals, the Delhi Airport air train is set to improve passenger satisfaction, measured through the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) score, and help reduce the airport’s carbon footprint. The tender document specifies that the system will provide reliable, fast, and seamless connectivity, not just enhancing passenger convenience but also aligning with global sustainability goals.

With the Union Aviation Ministry backing the project and emphasizing that no development fees will be levied on passengers until the air train is operational, DIAL is under pressure to complete the project on time. The project cost is yet to be determined, as bidders will evaluate and quote based on the proposed design and construction requirements. However, sources estimate the cost could be below Rs 2,000 crore.

Streamlining Airport Operations

Delhi Airport’s air train will not only benefit passengers but also streamline overall airport operations. The earlier proposal for six stops was shelved after government advice, as it would have increased the total travel time between terminals. Now, with just four stops—T1, T2/3, Aerocity, and Cargo City—the airport’s transit time will remain short, while still providing essential connectivity to key parts of the airport complex.

India’s aviation sector is growing rapidly, and with Delhi Airport doubling its capacity to handle over 13 crore passengers in the coming years, an air train system is critical to ensuring smooth operations. Once operational, the Delhi Airport air train will ensure that the massive increase in passenger traffic is managed efficiently without compromising on comfort or transit times.

Cost Recovery Without Burdening Passengers

In alignment with global practices, the air train will be free for passengers, ensuring seamless and hassle-free movement between terminals. The airport will recover the cost of the project through aeronautical charges, such as landing and parking fees for airlines, and user development fees (UDF) from passengers. This revenue model ensures that the airport remains financially viable without directly burdening passengers with additional charges.

Mumbai’s airport, for example, successfully funded metro connectivity through a small UDF levy until its funding target was met. A similar model could be adopted for the Delhi Airport air train, with details to be decided based on project bids and approval from the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).

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