Direct link between IGI and Jewar airport

Image Source: 99acres.com

ET reported that the capital’s IGI airport may have high-speed connectivity with the upcoming Jewar airport in Greater Noida. The UP government is in favour of a direct link between the two airports, as many passengers flying into one of them will have connecting flights from the other. And given the traffic situation - even today - driving from one place to the other may mean people missing flights once the Jewar airport becomes operational in four to five years. Even taking the planned indirect Metro network may not be of much help for passengers with a tight connection time.

Mr Prabhat Kumar, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) chairman, said that “A direct link is needed between the two airports. We will soon appoint a consultant to see what this link should be, whether a rapid rail, underground metro or something else.”

Mr Kumar an experienced aviation hand who has earlier worked as a senior official in the aviation ministry and then headed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, said that “The consultant will identify a direct link between the two airports which will be in addition to the proposed Metro line which will be extended to Jewar.”

Taking connections from different airports is a common thing in cities with multiple airports like New York and London. Even today, driving between IGIA and Jewar takes over two hours. When Jewar airport becomes operational and traffic grows manifold, the road travel time will also increase substantially.

Currently, the metro line cleared till Pari Chowk in Greater Noida will be extended to Jewar. The proposed link is about 23 km, connecting Pari Chowk to YEIDA Sector 20, and will be at road level. However for passengers with connecting flights within, say, two to three hours, this will not be viable option. Low connecting time is one of the main criteria for passengers booking flights, apart from fares.

Source : ET