Delhi International Airport to Get Air Trains by 2027 - India's First Ever!

By the end of 2027, transferring between Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 3 (T3) at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport could become a whole lot easier, thanks to the much-anticipated air train, or Automated People Mover (APM). If you’ve ever struggled with terminal transfers at Delhi Airport, this upcoming project will be a game-changer!

Also read: How to Use Digi Yatra for Seamless Airport Experience in India?

Travel smoothly between terminals with Air Trains!

According to reports, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has already set the wheels in motion by issuing a tender for building the APM. The 7.7 km route will connect four key stops: T1, T2/3, Aerocity, and Cargo City. This means no more relying on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses to hop between terminals.

The bidding for the project is expected to open around October-November 2024, with the contract being awarded by the end of the fiscal year. The DIAL team is banking on a smooth process, with bidders presenting cost-effective solutions, potentially offering revenue-sharing models or seeking viability gap funding. The goal? To have the air train up and running by the end of 2027, as already communicated to the Union Aviation Ministry.

The air train will be developed using the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) model, ensuring a seamless travel experience between the terminals. Not only will this project make life easier for passengers, but it will also help reduce the airport's carbon footprint, boosting Delhi Airport’s already impressive Airport Service Quality (ASQ) score.

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In an encouraging move, passengers won't have to bear any additional fees during construction, with the government confirming no development fees will be levied for the project. Although the final cost is yet to be determined, early estimates suggest it could run around ₹2,000 crore. Originally, six stops were proposed, but the number was reduced to four to cut down travel time and ensure smooth transitions between T1 and T3/2.

With Delhi Airport currently handling over 70 million passengers annually (and that number expected to soar to 130 million in the coming years), the air train will play a vital role in managing terminal transfers, especially for the growing number of transit flyers. Like similar systems in airports globally, the air train is expected to be free for passengers, with costs likely covered through aeronautical charges and User Development Fees (UDF), much like in Mumbai.

In a few years, catching your connecting flight at Delhi Airport will be a lot more convenient - an easy, air-conditioned ride instead of a terminal-hopping headache!