Airport operator GMR Group has begun expansion works for Terminal 1 at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport). The Phase 3A expansion works will enable IGI Airport to handle 100 million annual passengers when complete in 2020.
The objectives of Phase 3A are to enhance capacity for growth, meet optimal service level requirements and introduce new and improved processes and technologies to maximise efficiency, enhance passenger experience and ambience of the terminals.
Commenting on the Phase 3A works, Shri I Prabhakara Rao, Deputy Managing Director, GMR Group, said: “Keeping in view the unprecedented growth in the number of people travelling by air over the last few years, expansion of Delhi Airport has become the need of the hour to make it future-ready with enhanced passenger experience. The mega expansion of Delhi Airport would not only help the existing airlines to enhance their services but also create adequate room for new airlines to initiate their services.
“With this expansion, Delhi Airport will once again set a new standard for the airport experience. Our vision is to be at the forefront of creating world-class facilities and value-added amenities for our customers and making it one of the best airports across the world. As we rigorously build for the next three years, our focus on efficient operations and superior customer service would remain unwavering.”
As part of GMR’s wider development plan, Phase 3A works include the integration of the Departure and Arrival terminals of T1; the construction of a new T1 apron and fourth runway; new dual elevated Eastern Cross Taxiways (ECT); landside developments to improve circulation and connectivity; and a series of Terminal 3 (T3) modification works. After the expansion, Delhi Airport would become the first airport in India to have four runways.
In the proposed plan, the entire T1 apron would be demolished and a new and expanded apron would be constructed with an increased number of stands equipped with latest technological upgrades including Visual Docking Guidance System, Fuel Hydrant System, Ground Power Units and Pre-conditioned Air.
The Arrival and Departure terminals would be integrated under a single roof to form the new integrated Terminal 1. It would come with associated enhancements in Baggage Handling and Security Screening systems. The total area of Terminal 1 will increase from the present 64,140 sqm to 192,985 sqm and capacity would go up from 20 million to 40 million annual passengers.
The integrated terminal will also boast several advanced technologies including facial recognition, automated tray retrieval system, individual carrier system, and self bag drop kiosks, among others.
The international transfer area of Terminal 3 will also be upgraded with a seventh check-in island with associated baggage systems and two arrival carousels. The entire baggage handling system of T3 is also receiving an IT upgrade.
On the landside, a flyover would be constructed at Aerocity metro station junction to reduce travel time from T1 to T3. The Central Spine Road would also be widened from 8 lanes to 12 to cater to the expected increase in traffic.
