India’s first Airport Express starts operations

•      Reliance Infrastructure completes execution and commissions Airport Express within record time of 27 months
•      First high speed airport express to run at a speed of 120 kmph
•      Cuts travel time from 90 to 20 mins covering 23 kms
•      Airport express has 2 interchanges with DMRC, at New Delhi (NDLS) and Dwarka Sector 21, offering complete integration with DMRC Metro network
 
India’s first Airport Express is on track. Reliance Infrastructure has recently launched the country’s first and one of the most anticipated projects – the Airport Express Line in Delhi. The line has been constructed and commissioned by Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt. Ltd. (DAMEL) which also manages operations and maintenance of the Airport Express. Running at a speed of 120 kmph, the Airport Express will cover the distance in 20 minutes – making it the fastest mode to reach the Airport T3 terminal from the city. Besides being fastest, the Airport Express is also the most economical mode of commuting.
 
Built at a cost Rs. 5,700 crore, the Airport Express, the first corridor in the country to come up on Public-Private-Partnership model, promises a smooth ride. In a bid to attract commuters, the DAMEPL has announced an introductory fare of Rs. 80 as against a regular fare of Rs. 150.
 
Speaking on the opening of the Airport Metro Express, Lalit Jalan, CEO and Whole time Director, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd., said, “With its technology and design, the Airport Express will meet the pressing need for fast, convenient and cost effective mode of travel, that connects the City to Airport T3 terminal. The Airport Express is Rinfra’s signature project which will place Delhi in league of global cities, sporting new world infrastructure”. The line was built within 27 months against similar projects in New York, London and Sydney which took four, five and six years to build.
 
Running below the slow-moving traffic of the city of Delhi, the airport express connects – New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Aerocity, IGI Airport and Dwarka Sector 21. Of the total of 22.7 kms, the train will run underground for 15.7 km of the route and go on to elevated track for the rest of 7 kms. Passengers can eventually check-in and avail their boarding passes at New Delhi, Shivaji Stadium and Dhaula Kuan stations. Baggage check-in facilities will be available at New Delhi and Shivaji stations. The services will operate at a frequency of 20 minutes. The check in service is expected to start shortly.
 
The Airport Express trains are imported from CAF, Spain, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trains, offering a smooth comfortable drive. The plush interiors with diffused lighting create a soothing ambience. The coaches are spacious, allowing ample space for luggage. Passengers on-board remain well informed with updates on flight information on LCD screens in every coach.

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