Delhi Airport to replace ground transport with 62 electrical vehicles

Indira Gandhi International Airport, also known as Delhi Airport (DEL) in India, launched the Green Transportation Programme in which it plans to replace 62 ground vehicles running on conventional fuel with the same quantity of electric-powered vehicles (EVs).

According to the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the operator of DEL airport, the transition will gradually take place over four months. The 62 electric vehicles will support various ground airport operations in its airside area, including the runway, taxiway, and apron. DIAL estimates that new-generation vehicles will help the airport reduce up to 1,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions yearly.

Speaking to the Indian media outlet Business Standard on June 7, 2022, the chief executive (CEO) of DIAL Videh Kumar Jaipuriar said that in addition to new electric service transport, the airport will also have to set up high voltage fast-charging stations and other necessary infrastructure. The CEO added that the airport also aims to use electrical power from completely renewable sources “to ensure that charging of vehicles is emission-free".

“We are planning to eliminate all the light vehicles powered with petrol and diesel in a phased manner and to use electric vehicles instead. The adoption of electric vehicles for managing airport operations is a step forward. It is a first-of-its-kind initiative by any Indian airport to ensure a clean transportation environment,” the CEO was quoted as saying.

India’s largest airport has already adopted some sustainable solutions in its operations. For instance, the airport uses electric buses for passenger transportation between the terminal and the building of the passenger transport center. Delhi Airport has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030.

As it celebrated World Environment Day on June 3, 2022, DIAL announced having taken even more initiatives towards airport management and sustainability, which includes the implementation of energy-efficient lighting and advanced fuel hydrant systems as well as the development of environment-friendly infrastructures across the airport’s area.

“DIAL is also making technological advancements such as the adoption of electric cleaning devices at the airport, electric charging points at the airport, and electric-powered semi-robotic vehicles, which are used to tow a plane to the runway,” was written in the DIAL statement.