Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport will soon feature India’s first air train, creating a direct link between Terminal 1 and the terminals 2 and 3. This innovative automated people mover (APM) is expected to be operational by the end of 2027.
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has released a tender to construct the air train, which will include four stops: T2/3, T1, Aerocity, and Cargo City. The proposed route will span approximately 7.7 kilometers, allowing for quicker and more efficient travel between the terminals, eliminating the need for DTC buses, which currently serve this purpose.
Bids for the project will be collected in October and November, with the winning bid determined by the quoted costs and the proposed revenue-sharing model or viability gap funding. Sources indicated that if the process runs smoothly, a contract could be awarded before the fiscal year ends, with construction set to begin shortly thereafter.
According to the tender document, the elevated and at-grade APM system will be designed to provide fast and reliable connectivity between the terminals while enhancing passenger convenience and reducing the airport's carbon footprint. DIAL has conveyed to the Union aviation ministry that the project is a priority.
The aviation ministry has stated that no development fees will be imposed on the project until it is fully operational. While the exact cost of the air train remains to be determined by the bidders, estimates suggest it could be under ₹2,000 crore.
Originally, the government requested the cancellation of a plan that included six stops, believing it would lead to longer travel times between terminals. Concerns were raised about the security requirements for non-terminal stops as well.
Delhi Airport currently serves over 70 million passengers each year and is projected to handle more than 130 million within the next six to eight years, with about 25% of travelers expected to be transiting through the airport. The introduction of the air train will facilitate smoother transfers between terminals, making it a vital addition to the airport’s infrastructure.
Globally, air trains are typically free for passengers, providing seamless transit between airport terminals. Infrastructure improvements at airports are funded through aeronautical charges determined by the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) and through User Development Fees (UDF) imposed on travelers.
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