One of our worst fears while travelling is getting late for a flight, and it doesn’t begin with the long lines at the airport but rather with the heavy traffic that greets us on the way there! Now, imagine skipping hours of traffic and reaching the airport in a matter of minutes, without taking a road! Well, flying taxis could soon make that futuristic commute a reality in India. Scroll on to know more about this!
Flying Taxis To Take Over Indian Skies By 2028
According to Moneycontrol, electric air taxis could soon take to Indian skies, with eVTOL aircraft potentially entering operations by 2028. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has said India could see the technology become a reality in the coming years.
So, what exactly are eVTOL aircraft? Short for Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing, these aircraft can take off and land vertically, unlike conventional planes that need long runways. The technology is being explored for use in India, with Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai emerging as possible early markets.
Bengaluru could be one of the biggest markets for flying taxis, given the city’s infamous traffic and the long commute between Kempegowda International Airport and several parts of the city. However, the idea could also be useful in Mumbai and Delhi, where growing populations, packed roads and lengthy airport journeys continue to be a major challenge for commuters.
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Here’s What We Know So Far
While flying taxis will still need to clear testing, certification and regulatory approvals, the technology could soon change the way Indians travel across major cities. Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru could potentially see the service being introduced around the same time.
One of the biggest advantages of flying taxis is the time they could help you save. According to Moneycontrol, travelling from an airport to a key part of a city can take one to two hours by road and may stretch to three or four hours during peak traffic, heavy rain or severe congestion.
eVTOL aircraft could avoid this road traffic by travelling directly through the air. In the initial stages, the focus is expected to be on airport connectivity, with journeys that currently take hours potentially taking just 20 to 30 minutes.
Also Read: Hate Flying? These 8 Scenic Train Journeys Across India Prove You’re Missing Absolutely Nothing
What do you think of these flying taxis? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/sergeysan1 (representative image)
FAQs
When could flying taxis launch in India?
Electric air taxis could potentially begin operations in India by 2028, subject to testing, certification and regulatory approvals.
Which Indian cities could get flying taxis first?
Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi have emerged as potential early markets for flying taxi services.
What does eVTOL stand for?
eVTOL stands for Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing. These aircraft can take off and land vertically, so they do not require traditional runways.
