Air train project on anvil at IGI airport Breakthrough

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) is proposing a 6-8 km Air Train Project at IGI Airport in New Delhi, aiming to simplify transit between Terminals 3 and 2. The proposal seeks to bridge the viability gap funding through user development fees (UDF). The project will have four stations and a cost of Rs 3,400 crore. The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi is one of (Airports) the busiest aviation hubs in South Asia, handling millions of passengers annually. As traffic surges and connectivity between terminals becomes increasingly critical, the upcoming Air Train project is set to revolutionize passenger experience. Designed as an Automated People Mover (APM) system,

This project aims to offer quick, eco-friendly, and seamless terminal transfers that align with the airport’s long-term expansion vision. Currently, passengers transferring between Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 at IGI face challenges due to long distances and road traffic. The Air Train will directly address this issue by offering a dedicated rail corridor inside the airport, ensuring travel between terminals is reduced to minutes. This innovation reflects similar systems in global airports like Dubai, Singapore Changi, and London Heathrow, bringing IGI Airport closer to world-class standards. One of the major advantages of the Air Train is passenger comfort.

Boost to IGI Airport’s Expansion Plan

Travelers carrying luggage or rushing for connecting flights will benefit from hassle-free transfers without relying on shuttle buses or external vehicles. The system will be fully automated, air-conditioned, and energy-efficient, showcasing the integration of smart mobility solutions in India’s aviation sector. The Air Train is not a standalone project but part of the Delhi Airport expansion strategy. With passenger traffic projected to cross 100 million annually in the coming decade, this infrastructure is essential to handle future demand. The airport is already expanding its runways, terminals, and cargo handling capacity, and the Air Train will act as the backbone of intra-terminal connectivity, reducing congestion and enhancing efficiency.

Another highlight of the Air Train project is its commitment to sustainability. Being electric and automated, the system will cut down on emissions from buses and taxis currently used for terminal transfers. This aligns with the Government of India’s vision for sustainable infrastructure under programs like GatiShakti and Smart Cities Mission. By reducing dependency on fossil-fuel-based shuttle services, the project will make IGI Airport a greener aviation hub. The project is also expected to link with the Delhi Metro’s Airport Express Line, enhancing connectivity not just within the airport but also between the city and terminals. For passengers arriving from areas like Connaught Place, Gurgaon, or Noida, the transition will become smoother, reducing the overall travel burden.

Economic and Strategic Impact

This multi-modal integration will strengthen Delhi’s position as a global transit hub and ease pressure on road traffic around the airport. Apart from passenger convenience, the Air Train will have a significant economic impact. The project will generate jobs during construction, operations, and maintenance phases, boosting local employment. It will also help airlines by ensuring timely passenger transfers, thus improving flight efficiency and reducing delays. Strategically, this development positions IGI Airport as a more competitive hub in South Asia, capable of attracting global airlines and offering world-class passenger services. Globally, airports like Singapore Changi.

Dubai International, and Hong Kong International already use automated trains to manage passenger flow. The IGI Air Train project benchmarks itself against these international standards, ensuring that Delhi keeps pace with global aviation leaders. Looking ahead, the system could be expanded to include cargo handling and even integrate with regional rapid transit systems (RRTS) to extend its impact beyond the airport (International Airport) The Air Train project at IGI Airport represents a crucial step forward in India’s aviation infrastructure journey. By combining smart technology, sustainability, and passenger convenience, it is set to transform how travellers move across terminals in Delhi. Once completed, it will not only ease the pressure on existing transport modes but also elevate IGI Airport into.