Wednesday, September 25, 2024 Delhi Airport is set to introduce India’s first-ever air train, providing seamless and efficient transfers between terminals, enhancing passenger convenience and experience. By the end of 2027, traveling between Terminal 3 (T3) and Terminal 1 (T1) at Delhi Airport is set to become much easier, thanks to the planned Automated People Mover (APM), also known as the air train. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has already issued a tender for this highly anticipated project, which will feature four stops: T2/3, T1, Aerocity, and Cargo City.
Covering a 7.7 km route, the APM will eliminate the need for Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses for terminal transfers. DIAL, backed by GMR, is expected to start accepting bids for the project in late 2024.
The winning bidder must propose a cost-effective solution, likely through revenue-sharing models or viability gap funding, with the contract awarded by the end of the fiscal year. Construction is projected to finish by 2027, with the timeline communicated to the Union Aviation Ministry to ensure the project stays on track. The APM will be built using the design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) model and aims to provide hassle-free, reliable connectivity between terminals, significantly enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency at the airport.
In addition to improving travel convenience, the APM will help reduce the airport’s carbon footprint and boost its Airport Service Quality (ASQ) score. Government discussions have confirmed that no development fees will be charged to passengers before the project’s completion. While the final cost remains undetermined, estimates suggest it could be around ₹2,000 crore.
Originally, six stops were proposed, but the government reduced this to four to minimize travel time and security requirements at non-terminal stations. Delhi Airport currently handles over 70 million passengers annually, a number expected to exceed 130 million in the next 6-8 years. With a large percentage of these passengers being transit travelers, the air train will be crucial for smooth terminal transfers.
In line with global standards, it is likely that the air train will be free for passengers, with costs recovered through aeronautical charges and User Development Fees (UDF), similar to practices at other major airports like Mumbai..
