Delhi Airport To Get Country's First Elevated Cross Taxiway On 13 July

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is gearing up to enhance the travel experience for both international and domestic travellers with the inauguration of its revolutionary 2.1 km long dual lane Elevated Cross Taxiway (ECT) on 13 July. In conjunction with this development, the airport's fourth runway will also commence operations on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in aviation infrastructure. 

The introduction of the ECT is set to dramatically reduce waiting times inside aircraft, cutting them from 20-25 minutes to just 10 minutes. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia will inaugurate the ECT.  

The dual-lane ECT spans an impressive total length of 2.1 kilometres, serving as a vital link between the Northern and Southern airfields on the eastern side of the airport. The enhanced passenger experience is a crucial aspect of this innovation, as the waiting time inside airplanes after landing is expected to be significantly reduced. Planes will now require less time to reach Terminal 1 after landing, streamlining the take-off process as well. Previously, aircraft had to cover a distance of 9 kilometres from the third runway to reach T1, but with the introduction of the ECT, this distance will be shortened to just 2 kilometres. 

Another significant advantage of the ECT lies in the reduction of waiting time before take-off. By reducing the distance between the two airfields, the ECT is projected to save passengers between twenty to seven minutes before their flights. However, this timeframe may vary depending on the direction of aircraft landing, as pointed out by the Delhi International Airport (DIAL). 

The main benefits of the ECT, as highlighted by DIAL officials, include the reduction of aircraft emissions, preservation of natural resources such as aviation turbine fuel (ATF), and the enhancement of operational efficiency. By reducing the taxiing distances of aircraft, the ECT contributes to these advantages, making it a pivotal addition to the airport. 

An essential aspect of this taxiway is its impact on carbon emissions. Even a minor reduction in distance between airfields can yield a substantial decrease in CO2 emissions. The ECT is expected to optimise taxiing routes and aircraft operations, ultimately saving approximately 55,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. This achievement aligns with the airport's ambitious goal of becoming a "Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport" by 2030. 

Indira Gandhi International Airport takes pride in being India's first airport to house an Elevated Cross Taxiway, a testament to Delhi International Airport’s commitment to sustainable architecture and their pursuit of becoming a "Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport" by 2030. According to Prabhakara Rao, deputy MD of GMR Group, the introduction of the Eastern Cross Taxiway establishes the airport as India's pioneer in elevated taxiway infrastructure, not only enhancing the passenger experience but also ensuring its readiness for the future. 

Notably, the ECT's design features a strong and sturdy structure capable of facilitating the safe and simultaneous passage of two large aircraft. This attribute ensures smooth operations and reinforces the commitment to passenger safety.