The collapse of the roof at Indira Gandhi International Airport’s Terminal 1D has brought attention to the airport’s past plans. One such plan is the Delhi Airport Master Plan 2006. This plan was intended to transform the airport into a world-class facility, but many elements of this vision were later altered or abandoned. The true intentions of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) came to light in the Master Plan 2016, which surprised many. Let’s explore the differences between these two plans.
The Master Plan 2006 predicted that Delhi Airport’s traffic would increase from 16.1 million passengers per year to 23.3 million. To handle this growth, Terminal One and Terminal Two were to be upgraded in Phase One of the expansion. Additionally, a new runway (29/11) and a cross taxiway were to be constructed. DIAL completed these tasks almost on time by 2008.
Phase 1-B of the Master Plan 2006 aimed to boost the airport’s capacity to 60 million passengers annually by 2010. This phase included building the new Terminal 3, multi-level parking, a General Aviation (GA) facility and other infrastructure. Terminal 3 was completed and inaugurated on July 3, 2010.
Phase Two of the Master Plan 2006 was scheduled for completion in 2012. This phase included expanding Terminal 3 and the cargo terminal, along with several airside operational improvements. These upgrades were not directly related to passenger services.
According to the 2006 plan, 2016 was a crucial year for Delhi Airport. The third phase included demolishing Terminal 2 and constructing Terminal 4 in its place. All flights from Terminal 1 were to be moved to Terminals 3 and 4. By 2016, these plans remained on paper. Neither Terminal 2 was demolished, nor was Terminal 4 constructed.
Phase Four of the Master Plan 2006 envisioned expanding Terminals 3 and 4 by 2021. A new Terminal 5 was to be built next to Terminal 3. Terminal 1 was to be demolished and a new runway (27/9) was to be built parallel to runway 28/10. This phase also included creating a new cargo hub. By 2026, a new Terminal 6 was to be constructed. In total, four new terminals and two new runways were planned by 2026. These plans were shelved in 2016.
The Master Plan 2016 significantly changed these ambitions. The plans for Terminals 4, 5 and 6 were dropped. Instead of demolishing and rebuilding Terminal 1, it was decided to upgrade certain parts and create an integrated terminal. Terminal 2, built in 1986, was to be upgraded rather than demolished. While DIAL did make some significant airside improvements, such as constructing an elevated taxiway and a new runway, many promises from the 2006 plan were not kept.
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