NEW DELHI: The capital’s IGI Airport will get India’s first inter-state multi-modal transport hub near Aerocity. This will provide linkage between buses, metro lines, the proposed air train (which will ply between terminals) and of course the airport. With IGIA’s capacity going to cross 11 crore passengers per annum next February and cross 13.5 crore latest by 2032, the sheer volume of footfalls requires this kind of connectivity between the airport and other modes of transport. The automated people mover (APM), in fact, is already hugely delayed and transiting between T1 one one side and T3 & 2 on the other will become a huge challenge from next March when T2 will be closed for some months and T1 will handle 4 crore domestic passengers annually with a significant proportion of them requiring to take connections from T3.
Read More: What should you do if you lose your passport while travelling abroad?
“The hub will be well connected with an Interstate Bus Terminus (ISBT), the upcoming phase
4 line of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the proposed Passenger Transport Centre (PTC) and the proposed Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) station, including the station for Automated Passenger Mover (APM) near the GMR Aerocity. It will provide seamless connectivity to the airport through metro, bus and trains to passengers coming from the neighbouring states. Delhi Airport, (that is) connected to a (large) number of international destinations and airlines, has large catchment areas from Punjab, Haryana,
Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Passengers from these states travel to IGI airport by interstate buses to catch international flights,” Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said in a statement.
Read More: Paytm announces discounts on airfares for Dubai shopping festival
Currently, there is no proper facility for parking these interstate buses at Delhi Airport. This proposed facility will facilitate passengers coming from adjoining interstate cities to catch international flights.
The proposed ISBT, which will be developed in consultation with the Delhi Transport Department, will have state-of-the-art passenger amenities, “matching airport standards. It will have the best possible user facilities like retail, F&B outlets, EV charging, transit facilities, comfortable waiting areas, ambience, waiting hall, business centre, internet/Wi-Fi services, souvenir shops, etc. so that passengers, meeters and
greeters can avail of these facilities,” DIAL said.
Read More: Top 5 Places To Visit In Goa For Christmas, New Year Celebration
The ISBT would be able to handle around 50 buses and be developed in a phased manner through a suitable model, which would be decided after the designs are finalised. DIAL CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said: “India’s first multimodal transport hub, which will integrate bus, metro, and air services, is a transformative project that redefines passenger convenience, offering enhanced facilities for bus travellers. It will offer an unparalleled passenger experience that begins before you even reach the airport. By prioritizing bus travellers and their needs, DIAL is creating a truly inclusive transportation ecosystem. More than just a transportation hub, this project represents our commitment to sustainable development and reduced traffic congestion. By encouraging public transport usage, DIAL is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.”
