Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup, has introduced India’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi, named ‘Shunya.’ This breakthrough innovation aims to reduce traffic congestion and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional transportation.
Key Features of ‘Shunya’
- Design and Capacity: ‘Shunya’ is designed for short trips of 20-30 km and can carry up to six passengers with a payload capacity of 680 kg, making it the highest payload eVTOL on the market.
- Speed and Efficiency: Capable of reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h, ‘Shunya’ offers a fast alternative to ground travel.
- Environmental Impact: As an electric vehicle, it promotes cleaner, greener urban transport in line with India’s sustainability goals.
Launch and Expansion Plans
- Launch in Bengaluru: Sarla Aviation plans to roll out ‘Shunya’ in Bengaluru by 2028, targeting the city’s notorious traffic congestion.
- Future Expansion: After Bengaluru, the service will expand to other major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune.
Strategic Partnership
Sarla has teamed up with Sona SPEED, a precision manufacturing firm, to produce critical components for ‘Shunya,’ leveraging expertise from previous projects with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Future Prospects
Beyond passenger transport, Sarla Aviation plans to offer an air ambulance service, further enhancing emergency medical response in urban areas.
In conclusion, ‘Shunya’ is set to revolutionize urban air mobility in India, offering fast, sustainable, and efficient transport while addressing the challenges of traffic congestion.
