Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured a large order worth up to Rs 5,000 crore for the design and construction of an Automated People Mover (APM) system at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. The company announced the order on August 20.
The contract falls under L&T’s ‘Large’ order category, which covers projects valued between Rs 2,500 crore and Rs 5,000 crore. The exact contract value has not been disclosed.
L&T’s transportation infrastructure business has won the project in consortium with Japan-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). The consortium will deliver the fully integrated APM system on a turnkey basis, covering design, construction, equipment supply, testing, commissioning and operational readiness.
An Automated People Mover is a driverless transit system designed to transport passengers between airport terminals and other airport facilities. The technology is increasingly being adopted at major airports to provide dedicated passenger connectivity within large airport campuses.
The project is being developed by Dubai Aviation City Corporation and implemented through Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects. It forms part of the planned expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport.
Once fully developed, the airport is planned to handle up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of freight annually, positioning it among the world’s largest aviation infrastructure projects. Phase 1 of the expansion is scheduled to begin operations in 2032.
Under the contract, L&T will undertake the design, procurement, delivery and integration of several components of the APM infrastructure. These include guideways, DC traction substations, power distribution, signalling and telecommunications, onboard communication systems, platform screen doors and depot equipment.
The project adds to L&T’s transportation infrastructure portfolio in international markets. The company is currently involved in integrated rail projects including Mumbai Metro, Dhaka Metro and Jakarta MRT.
The Dubai order also expands L&T’s participation in the Gulf region, where investments in airports, urban transportation and mobility infrastructure are increasing. The Al Maktoum International Airport project is expected to create demand for advanced passenger transportation infrastructure as the airport expansion progresses.
The APM contract highlights the growing role of Indian engineering and infrastructure companies in large overseas transportation projects. Through its partnership with MHI, L&T will contribute engineering, procurement and construction capabilities to a major airport development planned for phased commissioning from 2032.
