Work commences on modernization of New Delhi airport

17 Feb 2007

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New Delhi: Smt Sonia Gandhi, the political head of India's ruling coalition, the United Progressive Alliance, laid the foundation stone for an ambitious plan to revamp New Delhi's airport today.

On the cards are a new, modern terminal that will handle both international and domestic traffic, as well as a third runway that will allow the airport to cope with increased air traffic over the years.

India's booming economy has spurred the aviation industry leaving the existing airports, such as those of Mumbai and New Delhi, desperately trying to cope.

The new terminal and runway, which will eventually cost about $1.5 billion, are the first phase of a modernization plan slated to tackle up to 100 million passengers a year, as well as handle a new generation of aircraft, such as the Airbus A380 superjumbo.

The construction is being undertaken by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a joint venture between India's GMR and Germany's Fraport AG. Consortium officials are confident that when complete Delhi will boast of a world-class airport, which would not only cater to the growing aviation traffic, but also, serve as a benchmark for other airports to follow.

The new terminal, is expected to handle some 37 million passengers annually, and is expected to be complete in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which New Delhi is scheduled to host.

According to a DIAL statement, the new terminal will include restaurants, shopping areas and entertainment facilities, as well as modern communication equipment for business travelers.

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