After the termination of sea seaplane services in its nascent days that was slated to operate from the Sabarmati Riverfront to the Statue of Unity, the central government is considering the launch of air taxis in India now, similar to those in developed countries. 

These air taxis are battery-powered aircraft capable of electric vertical take-off and landing (e-VTOL). From Gujarat, Ahmedabad and Mandvi (Kutch) have been selected as trial sites for these air taxis. The central aviation department has chosen four trial sites in the country, including two other locations in Andhra Pradesh. Gujarat will be the first state in India to conduct this experiment.  

The objective of the central civil aviation department is to operate aircraft that generate minimal noise, consume less fuel, and are environmentally friendly. 

As part of efforts to promote advanced air mobility, small battery-powered aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing, also known as air taxis, will be tested. These aircraft are officially termed 'e-VTOL'. Similar to helicopters, these small aircraft can take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for a runway.  

A report by the Central Civil Aviation Department confirms that sensor-equipped and latest software-integrated air taxis are safer than helicopters. 

The report specifically mentions that the possibility of launching air taxis in India is being considered, and a team of experts, along with the Directorate of Civil Aviation, has visited Gujarat. It has been decided to conduct air taxi trials from the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. Additionally, Mandvi in Kutch has also been selected as a trial site.  

Both these locations have been chosen as trial sites, along with two cities in Andhra Pradesh. If the trials prove successful, air taxi services could begin in India within a year or two. Currently, the central civil aviation department has started preparations for conducting trial-based air taxi flights. 

While the fate of the seaplane service remains uncertain, it is difficult to predict how much public response the air taxi initiative will receive in Gujarat.  

Features of e-VTOL

The e-VTOL aircraft is environmentally friendly since it runs on batteries and produces minimal noise. This makes it eco-friendly.

It does not require a runway and can take off like a helicopter. The air taxi can accommodate two to six passengers at a time and can travel up to 250 km on a single battery charge. Equipped with sensors and advanced software, they are reportedly considered safer than helicopters. However, flying in hilly areas could be risky, suggest the experts.

Also read:

No seaplane in sight, yet Gujarat to introduce aero sports activities at five spots