india's first elevated taxiway and fourth runway will be inaugurated at Delhi Airport on July 13, improving airport operations.

New Delhi, 08 July, (VNI) According to media reports, Delhi Airport is preparing to open India's first elevated taxiway and its fourth runway on July 13. These new developments at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) are expected to enhance the airport's operational capabilities. Currently, the airport has three runways.
The introduction of the dual elevated Eastern Cross Taxiways (ECT) and the additional runway aims to reduce travel distances for aircraft and improve efficiency. The ECT, which spans 2.1 kilometers in length and approximately 202 meters in width, will connect the Northern and Southern airfields. This connection will significantly reduce the taxi distance for aircraft by approximately 7 kilometers.
One of the significant benefits of the elevated taxiways is their ability to accommodate larger aircraft, including A-380 and B-777. By utilizing these taxiways, the airport will be able to handle big planes efficiently. Additionally, the new infrastructure is expected to contribute to a reduction of approximately 55,000 tonnes of annual CO2 emissions.
The implementation of the elevated taxiways will have several positive impacts for passengers. It will reduce the time spent on the tarmac before and after take-offs and landings, resulting in a smoother and more efficient travel experience. Notably, the distance that an aircraft has to cover after landing on the third runway and heading to Terminal 1 will be reduced from 9 kilometers to just 2 kilometers.
The fourth runway and the Eastern Cross Taxiways are scheduled to be operational starting July 13. The GMR Group, through Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport. This development marks a significant milestone for Indian aviation, as the elevated taxiways will be the first of their kind in the country.