Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport is on track to become a key hub for electric flying taxis as part of a groundbreaking initiative by Sarla Aviation in collaboration with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). The partnership is set to revolutionize urban air mobility with electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, offering a sustainable and efficient solution to the city’s notorious traffic congestion.
The project, expected to launch commercial operations within the next two to three years, promises to drastically reduce travel times across Bengaluru. A key highlight of the plan is the route connecting the airport to Electronics City, a major tech and industrial hub. This journey, which typically takes more than an hour by road, will be cut down to a mere 19 minutes. The fare for this service is projected to be Rs 1,700, making it a viable option for business travelers, tech professionals, and others looking for fast, convenient transportation.
Sarla Aviation, co-founded by aviation industry veterans Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, is spearheading the effort. The company is focused on addressing the rising demand for swift, eco-friendly transportation in congested urban centers. The deployment of eVTOL aircraft is seen as a game-changer, as these electric flying taxis produce zero emissions, making them a cleaner alternative to traditional ground transportation.
Beyond Bengaluru, the project aims to create a broader impact by contributing to the global shift towards sustainable aviation technologies. eVTOL aircraft are at the forefront of innovations that aim to reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation sector while providing a practical solution to the daily commute challenges faced by people in densely populated urban areas.
As the city continues to grow as a major tech hub, the introduction of electric flying taxis could set a precedent for other Indian cities looking to adopt cutting-edge, environmentally conscious transportation systems. The Sarla Aviation-BIAL partnership could also attract further investment in smart city solutions and sustainable infrastructure development.
The electric flying taxi initiative, once operational, promises to not only transform how people move within Bengaluru but also serve as a model for next-generation urban mobility in India and beyond.