New Delhi: Flying taxis in Indian metros.
Sounds exciting?
Well, it could be a reality within two years if everything goes according to plan.
The Union government has an ambitious plan of introducing electric air taxis that will reduce travel time in congested cities significantly.
Electric flying taxis, known as eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, could take to the skies in India in 2028, Union Civil Aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said, as reported by News18.
Once these flying taxis take flight, it would revolutionise urban travel. Commuters who spend hours stuck in traffic will be able to move from one destination to another in quick time as they will move above the roads, free of traffic jams.
The eVTOL vehicles are designed to take off and land vertically, allowing them to operate without the long runways required by traditional planes.
The government is working towards introducing the technology in select cities, with Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai emerging as potential early markets.
The demand is high in Bengaluru, which is getting increasingly notorious for traffic congestions. Citizens often complain about the long journey between Kempegowda International Airport and different parts of the city.
However, Naidu said there is interest from other metropolitan cities too, like Mumbai and Delhi which are also face growing challenges caused by rising populations, traffic congestion and lengthy airport journeys.
The air taxi service could be introduced in all three cities around the same time. The actual time of launch will, of course, depend on testing, certification and regulatory approvals.
The focus in the initial phase is likely to be on airport connectivity. Journeys that currently take a couple of hours could potentially be completed in 20 to 30 minutes in air taxis.
These flying taxis could could serve several other key purposes, such as in medical emergencies, air ambulance services and cargo transportation.
Design approval granted by DGCA
Sarla Aviation is among the companies working on the technology. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted the Indian company Design Organisation Approval, allowing it to go ahead with its aircraft development and testing programme.
Sarla Aviation is expected to begin extensive testing from 2027.
The proposed eVTOL aircraft is being developed as a combination of features associated with a drone, helicopter and small aircraft. It is expected to carry six passengers and one pilot.