Delhi airport opens its world-class T3 terminal
03 Jul 2010
Flying in and out of Delhi just got a touch of world class with the inauguration of the new integrated domestic-cum-international terminal (T3) of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). Prime minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi today inaugurated the swanky new terminal.
The hi-tech $2.8-billion facility has firmly put the city in the elite category of mega cities that boast world-class airports. For sheer convenience the terminal affords - just check the numbers - 168 check-in counters, 48 immigration desks, 50 emigration desks, 78 aerobridges, 97 private travelators and the latest Cat III runway landing systems, all designed to provide a level of world-class sophistication for air travel.
With the T3 terminal, Delhi has in one stroke joined the ranks of Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong, with the potential to develop into a regional transport hub. The terminal, which will handle nearly 35 million passengers annually, will more than double the airport's current capacity.
Apart from the aerobridges designed to handle 600 passengers an hour, there are passageways connecting the boarding area directly to the aircraft. Terminal 3 will also have 63 elevators and 35 escalators in addition to a common check-in concourse with a five-level in-line baggage system for faster processing.
But what flyers will find most exciting is the Airbus A-38 readiness of the terminal.
T3 stands in stark contrast with the current terminal T2, which has only 10 aerobridges, one escalator and no automatic walkway.
According to officials, what is notable is that T3 would have the most number of aerobridges in the world at a single terminal of the size, with only Changi, Singapore, coming anywhere close with 64 aerobridges.
T3 would be serviced by a dedicated metro line 'Airport Express', designed on the lines of London's famous Heathrow Express. There will also be multi-level parking with capacity for 4,300 cars and a 60-room transit hotel for passengers.
