Passengers, get ready for your experience at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. This is because the airport is gearing up to introduce India’s first driverless Air Train system. It is a part of a major revamp of the passenger transport facilities within the airport. The Automated People Mover (APM) project is set to replace the existing shuttle bus service and also cut down the inter-terminal travel time. Here’s everything you must know about this upcoming facility.
India’s First Driverless Air Train At Delhi Airport
Estimated at INR 3,500 crore, the APM project will link Cargo City, Terminal 1, Terminal ⅔, and Aerocity through a 7.7-kilometre corridor. The system aims to provide the passengers and staff with a quick transport option between terminals and other key zones.
The project is undertaken and fully financed by Delhi International Airport Limited. The construction of this transit system is expected to take about 30 months to complete. If everything falls into place and the project is completed on schedule, the Air Train might begin operations between late 2027 and 2029.
The Air Train service is expected to remain free for transit passengers to move between terminals at the IGI airport. Visitors and non-passengers might have to pay a nominal charge for using this system.
Also Read: Terminal 2 Of Delhi Airport Might Get Abandoned In 2033
A Global Model
The new driverless air train system is expected to reduce passengers’ dependence on shuttle buses. These shuttle buses operate on airport roads, helping passengers to move between terminals easily and quickly. This system will also strengthen the airport’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) ratings by improving overall passenger convenience.
This electric mass transit system is expected to replace a large part of the shuttle bus service. This will help the airport in lowering its overall carbon emissions and cut down on road congestion on the airport campus.
Also Read: How To Travel From Delhi Airport Using Metro: Detailed Delhi Metro Airport Express Line Guide
The driverless air train system is designed to handle the daily footfall of 40,000 to 50,000 passengers. The airport planners expect to increase this capacity between 80,000 and 90,000 passengers a day.
Currently, similar driverless passenger mover systems are being used at major international airports. This includes Singapore, Dubai, and London Heathrow Airport.
Also Read: Delhi Airport Introduces e-Arrival Card: No More Paper Forms For Foreign Travelers
Summing Up
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is all set to introduce India’s first driverless Air Train system. It is a part of a major revamp project and is expected to help passengers move from one terminal to another easily and quickly. The project is expected to be completed between late 2027 and 2029.
