Delhi is set for a major boost in urban mobility as a new metro station on the upcoming Golden Line will connect Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminals 1 and 3, promising seamless travel for millions of passengers. The project, part of Delhi Metro’s Phase IV expansion, will include an integrated interchange hub at Aerocity, enhancing connectivity between terminals, regional rail, and future airport transit systems.
The Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), operated by the GMR Group-led consortium, has confirmed that the Golden Line—also called the Tughlakabad-Aerocity corridor—will be extended to Terminal 1. Officials revealed that this decision followed months of discussions with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to bridge the long-standing connectivity gap between Terminal 1 and Terminals 2 and 3, which currently rely on separate metro lines. At present, the Airport Express Line (Orange Line) connects central Delhi to Terminal 3, while the Magenta Line caters to Terminal 1. However, the absence of a direct link between the two terminals often leads to logistical challenges and longer transit times for passengers catching connecting flights. The new Golden Line station aims to fix this problem through an integrated design that allows swift, efficient, and sustainable movement across the airport complex.
According to senior officials, the Aerocity station will emerge as a key multimodal transit hub under the expansion plan. The location will integrate the Golden Line, the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), and an upcoming Automated People Mover (APM)—a proposed “air train” that will link all airport terminals. This comprehensive transport ecosystem is expected to redefine last-mile connectivity for India’s busiest airport while supporting Delhi’s vision of becoming a zero-emission, transit-oriented city. The airport, which already handles over 100 million passengers annually, has been expanding rapidly to meet rising air travel demand. With four runways and three terminals, Delhi Airport serves as India’s primary international gateway. The new connectivity plan aligns with its broader goal of improving passenger experience through smart infrastructure and sustainable design.
Urban transport experts believe this extension will not only benefit travellers but also reduce vehicular congestion around the airport, leading to lower emissions and shorter travel times. The integration of metro, regional rail, and airport transit within one zone is being seen as a model for future Indian airports striving for climate-resilient and people-first infrastructure. If executed efficiently, the Aerocity extension could mark a turning point in Delhi’s mobility ecosystem—symbolising how urban infrastructure, when aligned with sustainable design and coordinated governance, can shape the future of connected and carbon-neutral cities.
Also Read: Pune MSRTC Incident at Indapur Stand Sparks Debate on Transport Safety Standards
