Delhi&rsquos Indira Gandhi International airport is probably one of the busiest airports around the world, with the influx of passengers increasing by the day. As a frequent flier, you might get a bonus in terms of mile points but the endless queue at the airport is surely not something you particularly look forward to. Well, passengers can finally heave a sigh of relief as IGI airport is all set for phase 3A of expansion.

The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has proposed a major expansion plan to increase the annual passenger capacity of IGI airport from current 75 million to 100 million passengers per annum by 2022. Phase 3A of the expansion plan includes construction of a fourth runway, making IGI the first airport in the country to have four runways. In addition to this, the plan also includes an expansion of T1 apron area and development of dual elevated Eastern Cross Taxiway. With a total capital expenditure of Rs 9,800 crores, the project is expected to get over by June 2022.

Once this plan is carried out, arrival and departure will be merged under one roof and will offer various facilities like self baggage drop kiosks, facial recognition and automated tray retrieval system. These facilities will ensure easy flow of passengers. As part of this new plan the entire Terminal 1 will be demolished and a new structure will be constructed to accommodate 82 aircraft stands. Also in order to reduce the travel time between T1 and T3, construction of a flyover has been proposed at the Aerocity metro station.

The infrastructure of IGI airport has always managed to strike the right balance between tradition and modernity and with this new expansion plan underway, Delhi airport is surely going to set new records.