L&T-Mitsubishi to build world's largest APM system for Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport

Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), in consortium with Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), is set to build world's largest Automated People Mover (APM) System for Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai. The project spans a length of approximately 50 km connecting nine stations.

In a regulatory filing released on Thursday, L&T revealed that the order to design and build the airport APM system is valued between Rs 2,500 crore to Rs 5,000 crore.

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An APM system is a driverless underground and above-ground train networks that transport passengers between airport terminals and concourses.

The APM system will connect the Dubai airport's terminals and major facilities, meeting the travel needs of the growing number of passengers. The introduction of this system is aimed to improve passenger convenience and shorten travel times, while contributing to efficient airport operations to meet future increases in aviation demand.

L&T share price: Shares of Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) were trading at Rs 4055.20 per script, up by Rs 25.10 (+0.62%) as at 10:35 on BSE.

The project, developed by Dubai Aviation City Corporation and being implemented through Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, is a key component of the airport's long-term expansion programme designed as a multi-phase development. Once fully developed, Al Maktoum International Airport will be the world's largest airport, with a capacity of handling 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of freight annually.

The MHI-L&T consortium has secured the order for turnkey delivery of a fully integrated APM System, including design, construction, supply, testing, commissioning and operational readiness of all associated infrastructure and systems. Completion of the project is scheduled for December 2031.

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Under the Design-and-Build contract, the Indian engineering giant will undertake the design, procurement, delivery and integration of critical APM infrastructure and systems, including guideways, DC traction substations, power distribution, signalling and telecommunications, onboard communication systems for vehicles, platform screen doors and depot equipment.

"With challenging execution milestones, advanced technologies and multiple system interfaces including guideway, power supply, state-of-the-art telecom, platform screen doors and depot equipment, this project exemplifies the scale and complexity of integrated APM Rail Systems that L&T is uniquely positioned to deliver," said Ramkumar S, Executive Vice President & Head – Transportation Infrastructure, L&T.

"With MHI’s proven APM Systems and L&T’s extensive integrated systems experience supported by world-class Engineering Designs Centre, enables us to execute such projects with a strong focus on safety and quality," the executive added.

Mitsubishi's Dubai wing MHI Mobility Engineering Services L.L.C will handle the design, procurement, and testing for the 165 APM vehicles and signaling system.