DIAL Ordered to Cut Air Train Stations at Delhi Airport
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

DIAL Ordered to Cut Air Train Stations at Delhi Airport

The central government has issued a firm directive to Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), altering the blueprint for the proposed air train at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Originally slated for six stations along an 8 km route, plans have now been revised to a mere three stations, reshaping the landscape of intra-terminal transfers and security measures at one of India's premier aviation hubs.

Reported by the Times of India, this government intervention aims to streamline passenger transit within the airport and bolster security protocols on India's inaugural automated people-mover (APM) system.

DIAL's initial vision for the air train encompassed six stations sprawling across the airport's vicinity, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) advocated for a more concise network of four stops over a 6 km stretch.

The mandated configuration now dictates a single stop between Terminal 1 and the combined Terminal 2/3, with the two other stations designated as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2/3 themselves. The inclusion of Aerocity as the third stop appears imminent.

Previously, DIAL's proposal entertained additional stations servicing Aerocity's bustling hotel and commercial precincts. However, the government's directive necessitates a recalibration of plans, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in financial considerations.

The projected cost of the air train project stands at Rs 3,500 crore, presenting formidable funding hurdles as the government mandates DIAL to independently finance the endeavor. Moreover, any levies imposed on passengers as development fees are only permissible post-project completion.

DIAL contends that AAI's streamlined four-stop proposal lacks substantial revenue streams, potentially leading to a higher burden of cost recovery through user development fees (UDF). In contrast, DIAL's multi-stop model promised more diverse funding avenues owing to increased foot traffic, potentially rendering it a more economically viable option for travelers.

Now compelled to reevaluate its approach, DIAL must devise alternative models and assess their financial ramifications for passengers concerning UDF upon operationalization.

The urgency for efficient infrastructure upgrades is underscored by the ongoing expansion of Indira Gandhi International Airport. With Terminal 1 expected to accommodate up to 4.5 crore passengers annually (CPA) and the collective capacity of Terminals 3 and 2 standing at 6.4 CPA, the need for seamless passenger transit is more pressing than ever.

Future plans outline the replacement of Terminal 2 with a larger Terminal 4 by 2032, augmenting the combined capacity of Terminals 3 and 4 to 8.9 CPA, and elevating the airport's total capacity to 13.4 CPA. As such, the anticipated surge in passenger transfers between Terminals 1 and 3/4 reinforces the imperative for swift and effective infrastructure enhancements.

The central government has issued a firm directive to Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), altering the blueprint for the proposed air train at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Originally slated for six stations along an 8 km route, plans have now been revised to a mere three stations, reshaping the landscape of intra-terminal transfers and security measures at one of India's premier aviation hubs. Reported by the Times of India, this government intervention aims to streamline passenger transit within the airport and bolster security protocols on India's inaugural automated people-mover (APM) system. DIAL's initial vision for the air train encompassed six stations sprawling across the airport's vicinity, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) advocated for a more concise network of four stops over a 6 km stretch. The mandated configuration now dictates a single stop between Terminal 1 and the combined Terminal 2/3, with the two other stations designated as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2/3 themselves. The inclusion of Aerocity as the third stop appears imminent. Previously, DIAL's proposal entertained additional stations servicing Aerocity's bustling hotel and commercial precincts. However, the government's directive necessitates a recalibration of plans, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in financial considerations. The projected cost of the air train project stands at Rs 3,500 crore, presenting formidable funding hurdles as the government mandates DIAL to independently finance the endeavor. Moreover, any levies imposed on passengers as development fees are only permissible post-project completion. DIAL contends that AAI's streamlined four-stop proposal lacks substantial revenue streams, potentially leading to a higher burden of cost recovery through user development fees (UDF). In contrast, DIAL's multi-stop model promised more diverse funding avenues owing to increased foot traffic, potentially rendering it a more economically viable option for travelers. Now compelled to reevaluate its approach, DIAL must devise alternative models and assess their financial ramifications for passengers concerning UDF upon operationalization. The urgency for efficient infrastructure upgrades is underscored by the ongoing expansion of Indira Gandhi International Airport. With Terminal 1 expected to accommodate up to 4.5 crore passengers annually (CPA) and the collective capacity of Terminals 3 and 2 standing at 6.4 CPA, the need for seamless passenger transit is more pressing than ever. Future plans outline the replacement of Terminal 2 with a larger Terminal 4 by 2032, augmenting the combined capacity of Terminals 3 and 4 to 8.9 CPA, and elevating the airport's total capacity to 13.4 CPA. As such, the anticipated surge in passenger transfers between Terminals 1 and 3/4 reinforces the imperative for swift and effective infrastructure enhancements.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

-->