Narendra Modi is introducing a new train in the country. Until now, regular trains have been operating in the country. Over time, the central government has introduced several trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Vande Metro, and Vande Sim. Hydrogen trains will be introduced soon. The first bullet train is scheduled to be launched next year, and India will manufacture engines capable of traveling at a speed of 250 km per hour using its own expertise. Concurrently, the central government is introducing another brand new train, called the Air Train.
The Air Train, estimated to serve 13 crores of passengers, will function as an Automated People Mover (APM) service and will commence from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Currently, passengers can take a bus or a cab to travel between the three terminals at the airport after disembarking from their flights. However, due to the airport’s high traffic, time is of the essence. Seven crore passengers currently commute through the airport, and this number is expected to reach 13 crores within the next eight years.
The introduction of the Air Train aims to reduce the delay in traveling between the airport terminals. Similar to the Metro, the Air Train will be driverless. It is set to be introduced at a cost of two thousand crores and is expected to be operational by 2027. The track will accommodate a small number of carriages, making it convenient to reach airport hotels, cab boarding points, parking, and other terminals. The Air Train will provide fast travel and cover a distance of 7.7 km with four stops. Tenders for the project are scheduled to be released later this year. Once the Air Train becomes operational, bus services will be discontinued.