New Delhi: In a momentous event, Honorable Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, unveiled the much-awaited 4th Runway and elevated dual Eastern Cross Taxiways at Delhi Airport today. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the Phase 3A expansion project of Delhi Airport, the busiest airport in the country.
With this, Delhi Airport has become India's only airport to have four operational runways. The 4.4-kilometre-long runway, parallel to the third runway (11/29) on the Southern side, is an integral part of the Phase 3A expansion project undertaken by the Delhi International Airport Limited, a consortium led by GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited, to make Delhi Airport future-ready.
The physical construction of the fourth runway was successfully completed in September 2021, despite numerous challenges, including those posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 4th runway would handle the increased traffic movement and, along with the dual Elevated Cross Taxiways (ECT) will help in reducing the Carbon emissions significantly. It would be the step for the Delhi Airport to move towards its goal of become a 'Net Zero Carbon Emission Airport by 2030'. The ECT will also help in reducing about 55,000 tonnes of CO2 emission, which is equivalent to planting about 15 lakh trees.
As an integral part of the Phase 3A expansion work, the construction of the fourth runway was carried out in a phased manner, considering the presence of a live taxiway. This approach ensured minimal disruption to the airport's operations while facilitating the expansion. Throughout the construction process, the project faced several obstacles, but with determination and perseverance, the teams overcame them to deliver a world-class infrastructure.
The construction involved the realignment of the boundary wall and drainage system to optimize functionality and enhance overall efficiency. Additionally, recognizing the importance of safety, a temporary fire station catering to the third runway was developed, effectively barricading half of the construction area. This proactive measure ensures that emergency response capabilities are maintained throughout the expansion project.
To further prioritize safety, an isolation bay was developed on the southern side to address any emergency situations that may arise. This state-of-the-art facility underscores our commitment to ensuring the well-being of all airport users and stakeholders.
In his address during the inauguration ceremony, Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed his satisfaction with the completion of this vital expansion project. He highlighted the importance of modernizing and upgrading infrastructure to meet the growing demands of air travel, contributing to the development of the aviation sector and the nation's economy.
'India is at an inflection point in her long history of civil aviation. Under the leadership of Hon' Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today civil aviation is a key enabler in the rise of country's economic power. India is aiming high, it is aiming to touch the sky. Delhi Airport under the vision of the GMR Group is creating new crests. From about 70 mn passengers per year as the biggest airport in India, the Delhi Airport will soon become one of the largest airports in the world at 109 mn passengers per year,' he said.
Terming the elevated Eastern Cross Taxiways (ECT) as a marvel, he added, 'Today, we are integrating the elevated Eastern Cross Taxiways (ECT), the first of its kind in India. For our travelers, this means a reduction in taxi time. The second innovation we see, is the 4th runway.
This runway makes Delhi airport the only airport in the country to have four runways. With this comes responsibility. With ECT, we will save 55,000 tonnes of Carbon emissions annually. We are for growth, we are for cresting new horizons but in a sustainable way, keeping with the Prime Minister's impetus to achieve Zero Carbon Emissions by 2070.'
Mr. Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO-DIAL, said, 'This significant milestone at Delhi Airport reaffirms our commitment to excellence in delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The successful completion of the 4th Runway and Eastern Cross Taxiway would not have been possible without the concerted efforts and support of various teams, including the Civil Aviation Ministry, AERA, AAI, BCAS, CISF, contractors, and airport personnel. Their unwavering support and cooperation throughout this transformative endeavour have paved the way for enhanced connectivity and operational capabilities at Delhi Airport.'
Another notable accomplishment during this phase was the demolition of the top three floors of the Airports Authority of India's RED building, without impacting the lower floors. This intricate task showcased DIAL's expertise and commitment to minimizing disruption while achieving project objectives.
As part of DIAL's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, the traditional halogen runway lights have been replaced with state-of-the-art LED lights. This upgrade not only enhances visibility and safety but also reduces energy consumption, contributing to DIAL's environmental goals.
About GMR Group
GMR Group is a leading global infrastructure conglomerate with unparalleled expertise in designing, building, and operating airports. It also has a significant presence in sectors like Energy, Transportation, and Urban Infrastructure.
GMR Airports is the largest private airport operator in Asia and 2nd largest in the world with a passenger handling capacity of over 189 million annually. GMR Airports Limited, a subsidiary of GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited [formerly known as GMR Infrastructure Limited] (GIL) has Groupe ADP as its strategic partner, which is holding a 49 percent stake. GMR Airports operates the iconic Delhi Airport, which is the largest and fastest-growing airport in India. It also runs Hyderabad Airport, a pioneering greenfield airport known for several technological innovations. The company also operates New Goa Airport which is India's first destination Airport. The airport offers everything a tourist looks for i.e. liveliness in the serene lap of nature, making it a perfect destination for leisure and holistic tourism.
Expanding its overseas footprint, the company is developing and operating Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, Indonesia, in collaboration with Angkasa Pura II (AP II). GMR Airports is also providing technical services to the architecturally renowned and the second busiest airport in the Philippines, Mactan Cebu International Airport in Cebu.
The Group is currently developing two major greenfield airport projects in India and Greece. Bhogapuram airport in India is poised to transform the economy and landscape of the surrounding areas when ready. Crete airport in Greece will similarly play a significant role in the local economy of the region.
GMR Aero Technic (GAT) is India's largest integrated world-class third-party MRO; a part of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL). GAT provides complete technical support to aircraft operators, with utmost quality and reliability to ensure that its customers meet their operational requirements. GAT has been constantly upgrading its capabilities and expanding its service offerings to meet the growing maintenance needs of airline operators within and outside India, with a vision to be a lead MRO in the Asia Pacific region.
As a pioneer in implementing the path-breaking Aerotropolis concept in India, GMR Airports is developing unique airport cities on commercial lands available around its airports in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa. GMR Delhi Aerocity is a landmark business, leisure, and experiential district. Similarly, GMR Hyderabad Aerocity is coming up as a new-age smart business hub.
GMR's energy businesses have an installed capacity of over 3,000 MW capacity. With a significant focus on green energy, the company is working towards creating a more sustainable environment by harnessing the power of wind, water, and sun for energy generation. It has a balanced mix in its energy generation portfolio.
Around 1,000 MW of clean energy projects of GMR are under various stages of development in India and Nepal.
The Transportation and Urban Infrastructure division focuses on surface transport projects including Roads, Railways, and Airstrips/ Runways in both DBFOT (under GMR Highways) and EPC (under GIL - EPC) segments. The Group has four operating highway assets spanning over 1,824 lane kilometers. Group's EPC business is working on the design and construction of the prestigious Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project of DFCCI (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India). GMR Group is also developing multi-focus Special Investment Regions in India.
GMR Group's underlying philosophy is to work closely with and support the local communities wherever it is present. Towards this, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation (GMRVF), the CSR arm of the Group, focuses on improving the quality of life of people by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.
For further information about GMR Group, visit http://www.gmrgroup.in
For further details, please contact:
Prateek Chatterjee
Group Chief Communications Officer
Email: Prateek.Chatterjee@gmrgroup.in
Mobile: 9910201085
Subhendu Ray
Head-Media Relations
Email: subhendu.ray@gmrgroup.in
Mobile: 9971544011
GMR AIRPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED 
