Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Delhi Airport Plans Driverless Terminal Train by 2030, Expanding Capacity
Delhi airport plans to build a driverless train to help people travel between its terminals.
The system is expected to be ready by 2030 and would cost about Rs 3,500 crore.
Its route would be 7.3 kilometres long, with six stations serving the terminals, Aerocity and the cargo area.
A trip between terminals 1 and 3 is expected to take 13 minutes.
Trains are planned to arrive every 10 minutes.
The airport expects about 55,000 people to use the system each day at first.
Passengers changing planes may be able to ride for free, but the airport has not decided whether other users will pay.
The airport also plans other improvements to handle more passengers by 2036.
Delhi International Airport Ltd expects a 7.3-kilometre automated people mover to be ready by 2030, at an estimated cost of about Rs 3,500 crore.
The proposed system will have six stations linking terminals 1 and 3, Aerocity and the cargo area; the terminal 3 station will also serve terminal 2.
The trip between terminals 1 and 3 is expected to take 13 minutes, with trains planned to run every 10 minutes.
DIAL estimates initial ridership at 55,000 people a day, eventually rising to 85,000; terminal-transfer passengers may ride free, but a decision on fares for other users is pending.
The airport’s proposed 2036 master plan targets 125 million passengers in annual handling capacity, with potential to reach 129 million, and includes terminal, pier and parking expansions.
- Who
- Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the airport operator, is planning the system; CEO Pradeep Panicker discussed the project.
- What
- A proposed automated people mover or inter-terminal rapid rail system, alongside broader airport expansion plans.
- When
- The transit system is expected to be ready by 2030; the master plan covers development through 2036.
- Where
- Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India.
- Why
- To connect airport areas and reduce reliance on road travel for transfers between terminals, while supporting projected passenger growth.
- Estimated transit project cost
- About Rs 3,500 crore
- Proposed route and stations
- 7.3 kilometres and six stations
- Terminal 1–terminal 3 journey
- About 13 minutes
- Planned train frequency
- Every 10 minutes
- Estimated daily ridership
- 55,000 initially, potentially rising to 85,000
- Passenger handling capacity
- Current capacity is 106 million a year; the 2036 plan targets 125 million, with potential to reach 129 million
- Master plan status
- Submitted to the government for stakeholder consultations and approval
- Terminal 3 expansion
- A new pier is planned; the latest report says Pier E is scheduled for completion by April 2030
