The daily grind of navigating traffic-choked roads may soon give way to a quieter, quicker route, through the skies. What once sounded like science fiction is now inching closer to reality, as India prepares
to launch its first homegrown air taxi service.
Developed by Chennai-based startup The ePlane Company, the three-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft was showcased at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, drawing large crowds and considerable curiosity. Unlike conventional aircraft, the air taxi is designed for short intra-city commutes, promising to ferry passengers to offices, schools, colleges, or marketplaces within minutes.
The prototype can accommodate one pilot and two passengers at a time. While pricing and booking modalities are still under discussion, company representatives indicated that the service would function much like app-based cab aggregators, allowing commuters to book a ride with ease.
The project has already received approval from the Centre, with remaining regulatory formalities underway in coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Officials confirmed that dedicated air corridors for both air taxis and air ambulances have been mapped in consultation with aviation authorities.
The company revealed that development began in 2019 in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. A smaller prototype built in 2021 has since logged over 9,000 kilometres in test flights, with the firm describing the trials as a complete success.
Commercial operations are expected to commence by 2028, initially in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Pune and Bengaluru, before expanding to other cities. In the initial phase, services will operate from existing helipads. However, infrastructure expansion plans, including additional helipads and support systems, are already under consideration as fleet size increases.
Significantly, the aircraft has been designed and manufactured in India, positioning it as a domestic innovation rather than an imported technology.
Beyond passenger transport, the company is also developing air ambulances to address delays caused by urban traffic congestion. The aim is to ensure critical patients can reach hospitals swiftly, potentially saving lives during emergencies.
