Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport Set For Major Upgrades With New Y-Shaped Flyover And Widening Of India's Only Under-Runway Tunnel Road

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), has proposed widening India’s only tunnel-road-under-a-runway and constructing a Y-shaped flyover to ease the 7-kilometre commute between Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminals 3/2 (T3/2).

These upgrades aim to accommodate the increasing passenger volume as T1 prepares to handle four crore passengers annually from this summer.

The plan includes expanding the existing six-lane tunnel road by adding a new six-lane underpass section.

Additionally, the proposed Y-shaped flyover will connect the Northern Access Road to Dwarka, Dhaula Kuan, and Vasant Vihar, enabling signal-free travel at the congested NSG junction.

Widening the Northern Access Road is also part of the project to handle the increased vehicular movement.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 300–350 crore, will require financial assistance from both the Delhi and central governments.

"It is proposed that the state share of funds be 20 per cent of the Centre though its urban development fund, 80 per cent. The request has been sent to the two govts", a source was quoted as saying by Times Of India.

The Lieutenant Governor’s office had written to the state government in August 2023, urging "appropriate action" on these critical proposals.

DIAL’s plans are based on a traffic study conducted by Japanese consultant Nippon Koei, which recommended the Y-shaped flyover and Northern Access Road expansion as top priorities.

IGIA handled eight crore passengers in 2024, with peak capacity projected to reach 14 crore annually in the coming years.

To further enhance connectivity, DIAL has proposed an elevated automated people mover system spanning 7.7 kilometres between T1, T3/2, Aerocity, and Cargo City.

"DIAL proposes to implement an elevated cum at-grade automated people mover system… on design, build, finance, operate and transfer model," the tender document states.

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