Delhi Airport ₹3,500 Crore Air Train: Construction to Begin in 2027, Ready by 2030

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is set to receive a major connectivity upgrade with a ₹3,500 crore Automated People Mover (APM), or air train, planned to connect its passenger terminals with Aerocity, the airport Metro station and the cargo area.

The 7.3-km system is expected to become operational by 2030, with construction likely to begin in 2027. The project is being developed as part of Delhi Airport’s broader expansion strategy to accommodate rising passenger and cargo demand over the coming decade.

According to Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the proposed air train will provide a dedicated rapid-transit connection within the airport complex. At present, passengers transferring between terminals need to travel by road, making inter-terminal movement more dependent on surface traffic.

Delhi Airport Air Train: Route and Capacity

The planned APM will have six stations and is expected to connect Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 with Aerocity, the airport Metro station and the cargo area.

The system is planned to cover 7.3 km, including elevated and ground-level sections. It is expected to operate at intervals of around 10 minutes, with the journey taking approximately 13 minutes.

Passenger demand is projected to be around 55,000 people a day during the initial operating period, potentially increasing to approximately 85,000 passengers a day at saturation.

Design work is underway and a consultant has been appointed. Once construction begins, the project is expected to take around 30 months to complete.

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Part of Delhi Airport’s Wider Expansion

The air train is being developed alongside a larger expansion programme at IGIA.

Delhi Airport is preparing for substantially higher passenger traffic as aviation demand in the National Capital Region continues to grow. The airport’s master plan envisages annual passenger capacity increasing significantly by 2036.

The expansion programme includes additional terminal infrastructure, expanded passenger-processing facilities, more baggage-reclaim capacity and the development of additional facilities at Terminal 3.

Cargo infrastructure is also being expanded as Delhi strengthens its position as a major aviation and logistics hub.

The proposed APM is therefore not simply an internal airport transport project. It is part of a broader multimodal infrastructure strategy connecting aviation, Metro, commercial development and cargo facilities.

Why the Air Train Matters

The project could make passenger movement across one of India’s busiest airports more efficient while reducing dependence on road-based terminal transfers.

Its connection with Aerocity and the airport Metro network could also improve access between the airport and surrounding commercial districts.

With passenger volumes expected to increase substantially, efficient internal transportation could become increasingly important for IGIA.

The ₹3,500 crore air train project is therefore emerging as a key component of Delhi Airport’s next phase of infrastructure development, with construction targeted for 2027 and operations expected by 2030.