Expanded Tunnel Road Under Runway Could Ease IGIA Terminal Transfers

24 Jan 2025 CW Team

With T1 set to handle four crore passengers annually starting this summer, the volume of transit traffic is expected to surge significantly. To manage this increase, DIAL has put forward a plan to build a Y-shaped flyover connecting the Northern Access Road to roads leading to Dwarka, Dhaula Kuan, and Vasant Vihar.

The proposal includes widening the existing 6-lane tunnel road (three lanes in each direction) by adding an additional 6-lane underpass section. The flyover will ensure seamless travel between T1 and T3, bypassing the currently congested NSG junction. To support the rising vehicular traffic, the Northern Access Road linking the two terminals will also need to be widened.

The estimated cost for this project is between Rs 3-3.50 billion. DIAL has sought assistance from both the Delhi and central governments, as the road falls under the state's Public Works Department (PWD). A person familiar with the development mentioned, “It is proposed that the state contribute 20 per cent of the funds through the Centre’s urban development fund, with 80 per cent from the Centre.” The request has been submitted to both governments.

In August 2023, the LG’s office urged the state government to take “appropriate action” on these proposals, which are crucial for improving connectivity to IGIA. IGIA handled eight crore passengers in 2024, and once Terminal 2 (T2) is demolished, the airport’s peak capacity could reach 14 crore passengers annually in the near future.

Several years ago, the Centre directed DIAL to conduct a detailed traffic study to ensure congestion-free connectivity to IGIA, taking into account future traffic volumes up to 2034. DIAL subsequently appointed Japanese consultant Nippon Koei, which recommended the Y-shaped flyover and expanded Northern Access Road as top priorities.

Currently, IGIA is one of the busiest airports in the world, with terminals that are not connected by an automated people mover, unlike other global hubs. A proposed air train linking T3/2, T1, Aerocity, and the cargo city was delayed due to COVID-19 and is still expected to take 3-4 years to materialize.

The deadline for submitting proposals for this project is reportedly by the end of February. DIAL plans to implement an elevated and at-grade automated people mover system at IGIA, following a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer model. This system aims to provide reliable, fast, and seamless connectivity between T1 and T3/2, covering a route of approximately 7.7 km via Aerocity and the cargo city, as outlined in DIAL’s tender document.

Delhi International Airport (DIAL), which manages Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), has proposed to widen the only tunnel-road-under-a-runway in India. This initiative is part of a broader plan aimed at easing the 7km commute between Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminals 3/2, making the journey smoother for transit passengers. With T1 set to handle four crore passengers annually starting this summer, the volume of transit traffic is expected to surge significantly. To manage this increase, DIAL has put forward a plan to build a Y-shaped flyover connecting the Northern Access Road to roads leading to Dwarka, Dhaula Kuan, and Vasant Vihar. The proposal includes widening the existing 6-lane tunnel road (three lanes in each direction) by adding an additional 6-lane underpass section. The flyover will ensure seamless travel between T1 and T3, bypassing the currently congested NSG junction. To support the rising vehicular traffic, the Northern Access Road linking the two terminals will also need to be widened. The estimated cost for this project is between Rs 3-3.50 billion. DIAL has sought assistance from both the Delhi and central governments, as the road falls under the state's Public Works Department (PWD). A person familiar with the development mentioned, “It is proposed that the state contribute 20 per cent of the funds through the Centre’s urban development fund, with 80 per cent from the Centre.” The request has been submitted to both governments. In August 2023, the LG’s office urged the state government to take “appropriate action” on these proposals, which are crucial for improving connectivity to IGIA. IGIA handled eight crore passengers in 2024, and once Terminal 2 (T2) is demolished, the airport’s peak capacity could reach 14 crore passengers annually in the near future. Several years ago, the Centre directed DIAL to conduct a detailed traffic study to ensure congestion-free connectivity to IGIA, taking into account future traffic volumes up to 2034. DIAL subsequently appointed Japanese consultant Nippon Koei, which recommended the Y-shaped flyover and expanded Northern Access Road as top priorities. Currently, IGIA is one of the busiest airports in the world, with terminals that are not connected by an automated people mover, unlike other global hubs. A proposed air train linking T3/2, T1, Aerocity, and the cargo city was delayed due to COVID-19 and is still expected to take 3-4 years to materialize. The deadline for submitting proposals for this project is reportedly by the end of February. DIAL plans to implement an elevated and at-grade automated people mover system at IGIA, following a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer model. This system aims to provide reliable, fast, and seamless connectivity between T1 and T3/2, covering a route of approximately 7.7 km via Aerocity and the cargo city, as outlined in DIAL’s tender document.

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