India is on the verge of launching its first Air Train, also known as a Sky Train at airports worldwide. This automated people mover (APM) system is designed to facilitate quick terminal transfers, significantly reducing the time passengers spend travelling between terminals.
The Air Train will operate at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), providing an automated solution for enhanced connectivity between the terminals.
This system will function continuously without interruptions, spanning a distance of 7.5 kilometres and connecting Terminal 1 with Terminals 2 and 3. It will feature four key stops: Terminal 1, Terminals 2/3, Aerocity, and Cargo City, allowing passengers to move quickly between essential airport locations. Estimated to cost around ₹2000 crores, the Air Train project aims for completion by the end of 2027, significantly enhancing the airport’s transportation network.
Reports suggest that the Air Train service will be free for passengers, aligning with global standards where similar systems do not charge users for inter-terminal travel. Currently, travellers rely on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) shuttle buses to navigate between terminals, but the introduction of the Air Train promises to save time and improve overall passenger convenience.
With over 70 million passengers using IGI annually, and that number is projected to double in the next 6-8 years, the Air Train will be essential in managing airport traffic and improving terminal connectivity.
