Skyward shift

Flying taxis are a realistic, scalable solution to traffic woes

- BY ABHINAV SINGH

A Bengalurian loses 234 hours a year idling in the city's congested roads—that is nearly ten days lost to traffic. It is not much different in India's other metropolises. The daily commute is often an ordeal, as cities groan under the weight of overpopulation and inadequate infrastructure. But a futuristic solution is approaching at takeoff speed—flying taxis and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

With zero tailpipe emissions, low noise levels (around 55 decibels—similar to casual conversation) and the ability to move above the chaos on the ground, they offer a compelling alternative to ground-based travel. They are no longer a far-fetched idea, and are seen as a realistic and scalable solution for short-distance urban journeys.

The global eVTOL market is poised to hit $87.6 billion by 2026, growing annually at 37 per cent. The UAE, the US and Japan are fast-tracking air mobility policies, infrastructure and certification processes. Urban planners are already incorporating vertiport designs into development plans, highlighting a paradigm shift in city planning.

In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken steps to enable this transformation. In 2024, it established six internal working groups focused on airworthiness, flight operations, vertiport design and navigation procedures. In September, it released comprehensive guidelines for constructing and operating vertiports—including charging infrastructure, safety systems, and visual landing aids.

At the forefront of India's eVTOL evolution is Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based company co-founded by German entrepreneur Adrian Schmidt. The firm plans to roll out its services in India's tech capital by 2027 or 2028, starting with airport transfers.