New Delhi: A driverless “air train” will be operational at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) within the next two and a half years (30 months). This will significantly ease passengers’ travel from one terminal to another and save them time. This train will connect Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2 (T2), and Terminal 3 (T3), significantly reducing travel time between terminals, reducing airport congestion, and making travel easier. This will be the first such automated train system to be introduced at any airport in the country.
According to officials associated with the project, the upcoming air train will provide fast and seamless transit between terminals in just a few minutes, replacing the current dependence on shuttle buses operating through crowded airport roads. The service is expected to be free for transit passengers, aligning with international airport standards followed at major aviation hubs worldwide.
The proposed system will run on a 7.7-km route and include key stops at T1, T2/T3, Aerocity, and Cargo City. Developed by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the project will be executed under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model. Officials said the initiative is intended not only to improve passenger convenience but also to support future traffic growth at IGIA.
Airport authorities estimate that passenger traffic at Delhi airport, currently handling over 7 crore passengers annually, is expected to rise sharply over the next few years. With transit flyers projected to form nearly 25% of total passengers, the air train system is being viewed as a critical requirement for efficient inter-terminal transfers.
The project is also expected to reduce road congestion within the airport zone and lower carbon emissions by decreasing the need for fuel-powered shuttle transport. Earlier proposals featuring multiple stops were reportedly revised to ensure shorter travel times and stronger security management between terminals.
Preparations are underway to operate an automated (driverless) train between terminals at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). The tendering process is currently underway. If all government approvals are received on time, work could begin soon. Officials aim to have the train ready by the end of 2027. However, the completion time will depend on how quickly the approvals are received and how quickly the work progresses.
