L&T–MHI Consortium to Build World’s Largest Automated People Mover at Dubai’s Al Maktoum Airport

Indian engineering major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) will jointly develop what is expected to become the world’s largest Automated People Mover (APM) system at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport.

The massive driverless transport network will extend for nearly 50 kilometres and connect nine stations across the airport complex. Parts of the system will run underground, while other sections will operate above ground, allowing passengers to move quickly between terminals and key airport facilities.

The project forms part of Dubai’s ambitious long-term expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. Once fully developed, the airport is expected to have the capacity to handle as many as 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually, placing it among the world’s largest aviation hubs.

L&T Takes Major Role in Integrated Infrastructure

The MHI–L&T consortium has secured responsibility for the turnkey delivery of the complete APM system. The scope covers engineering, construction, equipment supply, system integration, testing, commissioning and preparation for commercial operations.

L&T will design, procure and integrate much of the supporting infrastructure required to operate the network. Its responsibilities include guideways, DC traction substations, electrical distribution systems, signalling and telecommunications infrastructure, onboard communication systems, platform screen doors and depot equipment.

The project represents another significant international transportation infrastructure assignment for L&T and demonstrates the growing ability of Indian engineering companies to participate in highly complex global mobility projects.

165 Driverless Vehicles Planned

MHI’s Dubai-based subsidiary, MHI Mobility Engineering Services, will handle the design, procurement and testing of the APM rolling stock and associated signalling systems.

The network will use a fleet of 165 automated vehicles, creating a high-capacity internal transportation system designed to move large volumes of passengers efficiently across the enormous airport.

Unlike conventional airport shuttle services, an automated people mover can operate continuously with short intervals between trains. Such systems are particularly important for large airports where distances between terminals, gates and passenger-processing facilities can extend several kilometres.

Supporting Dubai’s Next-Generation Aviation Hub

The APM will become a critical part of the passenger transport architecture at Al Maktoum International Airport as Dubai gradually expands the facility into a global aviation megahub.

The airport development is being undertaken by Dubai Aviation City Corporation, with implementation through Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects. The transportation system is intended to reduce passenger transfer times while supporting smooth movement between different parts of the expanding airport.

The project is scheduled for completion by December 2031.

This L&T contract further strengthens its presence in international rail and transportation infrastructure. It also places an Indian engineering company at the centre of one of the most ambitious airport development programmes underway anywhere in the world.

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