Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, also known as the IGI Airport, is set for a complete makeover in the coming years! Under the Master Plan 2016 by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), a three-phase massive expansion of the IGI Airport will start as early as 2018 and go on to 2026 and beyond. From elevated taxiways to aerobridges, new runway and expanded capacity, we take a look at how Delhi's IGI airport will offer 'world-class' experience in the coming years:
Under the new plan, IGI airport's Terminal 1D (for departure) and Terminal 1C (for arrival) will be expanded and then merged into one. The new expanded T1 will be able to take as many as 40 million passengers annually.
The plan is to modify the Apron to meet the future demand for aircraft. The modified T1 will have 22 aerobridges. Presently, Terminal 1 does not have any aerobridge. The new T1 will also boast of 15 boarding gates from where you can take a bus to the aircraft.
One special feature of the new revamped and expanded Delhi Airport will be elevated eastern cross taxiways to enhance airside capacity. As per the new plan, the access road to T3 would also be widened. This road will have elevated taxiways, similar to Singapore's Changi Airport, says DIAL.
As evident from the artist impression, you will drive to the airport and at the same time, aircraft would be taxiing above you!The expanded Terminal 1 will have 13 entry gates (8 at present), 9 baggage carousels (4 at present), 82 parking stands for all Code C aircraft.
The arrival forecourt will have 11 lanes, up from the present 8. The departure forecourt will now have 9 lanes as against the current 6.
Under the the Master Plan 4, a fourth runway will also be built parallel to the runway 11/29. The fourth runway is expected to be ready by 2021.
The new T1 will have fuel hydrant system, which is an underground system of refuelling aircraft. Currently, aircraft are refulled with the help of tanks.
Terminal 1 would also be connected to Delhi Metro. A multi-level car park has also been planned. According to DIAL, an automated people mover system would be put in place to connect T1, T3, T4, and Aerocity.
Meanwhile, Delhi Airport's Terminal 2 (T2), also known as the Haj Terminal, has been revamped and will be re-commissioned in October 2017. Domestic airlines have been asked to shift one-third of their operations from T1 to T2. Once the expansion of T1 is complete, T2 will be demolished to make a swanky new T4.
As per the Master Plan, the capacity of T3 will be increased from the current 34 million to 45 million. Recently, IGI Airport was adjudged the 'Best Airport in India and Central Asia'. It is widely acknowledged that the opening of T3 helped transform the Delhi Airport into a world-class facility.