By the year 2027, the landscape surrounding Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport will undergo a remarkable transformation with the unveiling of a groundbreaking project: the Aerocity Mall, set to be India’s largest retail destination sprawled across an expansive 2.8 million square feet. This monumental initiative forms a pivotal component of the Worldmark Aerocity expansion endeavor, a visionary $2.5 billion project aimed at not only redefining shopping experiences but also pioneering the concept of an aerotropolis—a metropolitan center seamlessly integrated around an airport.
At present, Aerocity offers 1.5 million square feet of leasable space, a figure set to skyrocket with the addition of over 10 million square feet by 2029 across two phases of expansion. This ambitious plan encompasses the development of a vibrant global business district, boasting a total leasable area of 18 million square feet, accommodating a diverse array of offices, retail establishments, dining venues, and public spaces.
Leading the charge in this transformative venture is SK Sayal, the MD and CEO of Bharti Realty, who has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for phases 2 and 3, requiring a substantial $2.5 billion investment, to be financed through a blend of debt and equity. Phase 2, slated to kick off in the upcoming year with a targeted completion by March 2027, will introduce Worldmark 4, 5, 6, and 7, offering an expansive 3.5 million square feet of leasable space alongside the colossal Aerocity Mall, dwarfing even the largest shopping centers in the vicinity.
To cater to the influx of visitors expected to flock to this burgeoning retail paradise, provisions will be made for underground parking facilities capable of accommodating over 8,000 vehicles. Currently boasting 5,000 hotel rooms spread across 11 hotels, including esteemed names such as JW Marriott and Roseate, Aerocity’s hospitality offerings are set to undergo a substantial expansion, with the number of rooms expected to swell to 7,000 across 16 hotels upon the completion of Phase 2, with renowned brands like St Regis and JW Marriott Marquis poised to make their mark.
The completion of the Aerocity project is anticipated to herald significant economic ramifications, with projections indicating the hosting of approximately 2 million professionals and an annual footfall exceeding 30 million. This surge in activity is expected to catapult the stature of IGI Airport, potentially accommodating over 100 million passengers annually, with plans already underway to revamp terminals to accommodate an even larger throughput of over 140 million travelers.
In tandem with these developments, discussions are underway between DIAL and the Union aviation ministry regarding the establishment of India’s premier interstate multi-modal transport hub in close proximity to the Aerocity metro station, aimed at fostering seamless connectivity for residents and visitors alike.
As the Aerocity Mall project takes shape, all eyes are trained on this dynamic development, poised to redefine the retail landscape and urban fabric of the region in profound ways.