HYDERABAD: Imagine bypassing traffic snarls by soaring above the city in an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. This futuristic concept could become a reality in Hyderabad as soon as 2030, thanks to innovative efforts by local startups like BluJ Aerospace, AirArk, Marut Drones, and Drogo Drones.
These pioneering ventures are at the forefront of developing autonomous and piloted eVTOLs, aiming to revolutionize urban mobility in India. BluJ Aerospace, supported by Rainmatter Foundation and venture capital firms like Endiya Partners and IdeaSpring Capital, is advancing towards a piloted 10-seater eVTOL capable of covering distances up to 800 km. Meanwhile, AirArk is focusing on hydrogen fuel cell-powered eVTOLs with plans for autonomous models that can fly up to 300 km, targeting initial operations in Hyderabad and other key Indian cities.
Marut Drones and Drogo Drones, leveraging international partnerships, are navigating towards local manufacturing and securing exclusive rights for eVTOL operations in India. Marut Drones, in collaboration with Japan’s SkyDrive, intends to introduce testing as early as next year, potentially revolutionizing intra-city travel scenarios from airports to business hubs like Hi-Tec City or Secunderabad. “We anticipate offering point-to-point travel solutions initially priced at Rs 150-200 per km, catering to tourism, disaster relief, and medical emergencies,” highlights official of Marut Drones. Similarly, official from Drogo Drones underscores their focus on beta testing and regulatory approvals to integrate eVTOLs into urban mobility by 2030.
While challenges like regulatory frameworks and policy development for eVTOLs remain significant hurdles, stakeholders are actively engaging with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to expedite these processes. The absence of a dedicated eVTOL policy necessitates collaborative efforts to pave the way for safe and efficient air taxi operations across Indian cities. “The potential impact of eVTOLs goes beyond easing traffic congestion; it promises a paradigm shift in urban transport, enhancing connectivity and sustainability,” asserts official, of AirArk. As these initiatives progress, Hyderabad stands poised to lead the charge towards a future where air taxis seamlessly integrate into everyday transportation, offering unprecedented speed and convenience to commuters. The ambitious timelines set by these startups underscore a transformative journey towards smart, aerial mobility solutions, potentially reshaping how Hyderabad navigates its urban landscape in the coming decade.
