~ RAMESH MENON
The germination of the thought behind this article happened during a casual coffee conversation with a friend. For I can’t reveal the name, let’s call him Mr. Rao, who happens to know not just a thing or two, but a ton more owing to his professional achievements and deep knowledge of economics and infrastructure development.
In this article, I invite you to join me in a public debate on a bold, integrative urban development strategy designed to simultaneously address some of Delhi’s most pressing challenges. Drawing on two distinct case studies, I explore how a large-scale project can not only combat the city’s pervasive pollution and ease the congestion of its air traffic with a new airport, but also catalyze regional economic growth by fostering new destination development.
My intention is to spark a dialogue on how innovative urban planning can serve as a comprehensive solution—tackling environmental concerns, modernizing transportation networks, and driving prosperity across a wider area.
Case study # 01 – A New Airport near Bhiwadi in Delhi NCR
With the economic dynamism of the Delhi NCR region constantly on the rise, planning a new airport near Bhiwadi has sparked considerable debate. One of the key arguments in favor of this proposal is rooted in the geographic and economic potential of the surrounding area. Within a 100 km radius, the region boasts one of the highest densities of industrial activity, which not only fuels domestic manufacturing and business growth but also creates a substantial cargo market.
An airport positioned near Bhiwadi could tap directly into these industries, improving logistics and supply chain efficiencies by reducing transport distances for goods. This accessibility has the potential to transform the region into a significant cargo hub, thereby diversifying revenue streams beyond passenger services. Moreover, the strategic placement of an airport could relieve pressure on existing facilities in Delhi, which are often congested. This relief, in turn, may foster smoother operations and reduce delays.
The envisioned airport could also stimulate job creation and ancillary infrastructure development in the surrounding regions. Improved cargo services are likely to attract more global businesses looking for efficient links to one of India’s most industrialized belts. As international trade patterns evolve, this additional node in the logistics network might be key to bolstering the region’s economic competitiveness, further justifying the investment in new aviation infrastructure.
Case study # 02: The Multiple Airports of New York City
New York City serves as a prominent example of how multiple airports can work together to support a large metropolitan region. The city’s three major airports—John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA)—offer a fascinating case study in operational specialization and network complementarity.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK):
JFK is the international gateway for New York, handling long-haul flights and offering extensive global connectivity. Its capacity to manage a high volume of international traffic positions it as a crucial asset for the region’s economic connectivity and tourism. JFK’s advanced facilities and cargo operations facilitate a robust international trade network, much like what could be envisioned in a new airport near Bhiwadi.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR):
Serving both domestic and international routes, Newark is strategically important for serving the New York metropolitan area and the broader Tri-State region. Its integrated passenger and cargo operations, coupled with closer proximity to New Jersey’s industrial corridors, offer a parallel to the potential benefits of a new, regionally-located airport such as the one proposed near Bhiwadi.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA):
LaGuardia primarily handles domestic flights and is noted for its efficiency in short-haul and regional connectivity. Despite being constrained by its location and older infrastructure, ongoing modernization efforts have aimed to improve the passenger experience and operational efficiency. The case of LaGuardia underscores the challenges older airports face in adapting to growing demands and the inevitable need for complementary infrastructure—paralleling the situation in Delhi NCR.
Comparative Insights:
The integration of multiple airports in New York City reflects a deliberate strategy to distribute loads based on flight types, destinations, and cargo versus passenger operations. Each airport has carved out a niche: JFK as the international hub, Newark as a versatile, multimodal node, and LaGuardia as the specialized domestic connector. The interdependency among these airports has ensured that the city remains resilient to shocks in any one segment of air travel.
For Delhi NCR, the establishment of an additional airport near Bhiwadi can follow a similar model—positioning it as a dedicated cargo and industrial link while alleviating congestion from the existing airport facilities. By tailoring the roles of each airport to particular market needs, both New York City and the Delhi NCR region stand to benefit from a more balanced and efficient aviation network.
The author is a practicing professional in the Urban development space with domain expertise on Delhi NCR masterplans.