Welcome to the New Delhi station of Delhi Metro’s showcase Airport Express Line. The station — Delhi’s first City Airport Terminal (CAT) — is more than thrice the size of an average Metro station and will function as a mini airport terminal operating from the heart of the city. Passengers boarding the high-speed link to IGI will be able to do their baggage check-in at the Metro station itself, which will get loaded onto their flights directly. The station will have over 80 airline counters, where one can check in and collect a boarding pass for the flight. The Metro station is expected to cater to a huge load of air travellers who will board the fast train to reach the airport in about 20 minutes. To reduce conflict between those moving in and out of the CAT, the station will have segregated arrival and departure areas. The track level will be at the bottom, over which will be the departure area. The arrival has been kept on the first floor. So those getting into the station to board a train, will take the steps down from the entrance to reach the departure concourse where facilities like baggage x-ray, airline check-in counters, etc will be located. Those arriving from the airport will take a lift straight to the arrival concourse and get out from an independent exit, with facilities like prepaid taxis, autos, and waiting space for chauffeur-driven cars. The platforms have been designed to reduce conflict. There are two side platforms for arrival and an island platform for departure where people will automatically be guided. When a train arrives, the doors towards the arrival platform will open first for everyone to get out. Once the train is empty, the doors on the island side will open to enable departing passengers to board the train. Space has been earmarked for huge flight information boards, like the ones seen at the airport. The boards will also be put up inside the train so as to keep passengers informed of delays and cancellations. While the look of the station is being kept at par with a world-class airport terminal, the design will facilitate movement of people with baggage. So even as there are glass lifts, they are extra-wide with a capacity for over 20 passengers. The escalators will be less steep to enable movement of people with big bags. The waiting lounge will be planned with recliners and soft music playing in the background. The Automated Fare Collection (AFC) gates will also be wider. The ticketing system is such that a person can use the same ticket to enter the paid area, complete check-in, leave the CAT for a couple of hours and use the same ticket to re-enter. The idea is to enable passengers to check in their bags hours before the flight so that they can shop in CP or take a Metro to see a friend in the city without having to lug their baggage along. Once the passenger exits with the ticket at the airport terminal, it will become invalid. The mini airport will have a duty-free area too. With space marked for a retail shops on two levels, those waiting to board the Airport Express train can enjoy a meal at a cafe or fine dining restaurant, or check out an array of stores. The proper integration of the CAT station with the existing New Delhi station of Delhi Metro’s line 2 has been ensured through a tunnel link between the two adjacent stations. Those landing at New Delhi railway station can make use of a foot overbridge link being provided from the platforms till the entry of the new Metro station. For frequent fliers and business travellers, a multi-level parking lot with space for over 1,200 cars is being constructed near the station. This parking will be connected to the station area through lifts. The Airport Express Line will start at New Delhi railway station and go to Dwarka via IGI airport. It will stop at juts three stations — Shivaji Terminus, Dhaula Kuan and National Highway-8. The new service, to be operational by July 2010, promises relief from jams as one will be seated in a fivestar train compartment speeding across the tunnels at a speed of 135 kmph. The fare has been kept at a maximum of Rs 150 till IGI and an additional Rs 30 to Dwarka, with a provision for monthly passes.
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