Synopsis
India unveils its first flying taxi prototype, 'Shunya', at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. This marks a significant step towards sustainable urban mobility through a partnership between Sona SPEED and Sarla Aviation, focusing on electric vertical take-off and landing technology.Key Takeaways
- India's first flying taxi prototype, 'Shunya', launched.
- Collaboration between Sona SPEED and Sarla Aviation.
- Focus on electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology.
- Union Minister shows interest in sustainable urban mobility.
- Market launch targeted for 2028.
New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) In an effort to turn the vision of air taxis into reality and revolutionize urban mobility in India, the nation's inaugural flying taxi prototype, named ‘Shunya’, has been introduced at the ‘Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025’ held here.
The precision manufacturing company Sona SPEED has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sarla Aviation from Bengaluru to pursue this ambitious project.
Sarla Aviation is working on developing India's most advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, visited the Sarla Aviation booth and expressed significant interest in the flying taxi prototype, which is considered a landmark progression toward sustainable and futuristic mobility in India.
Sona SPEED motors have played a role in various missions of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This agreement establishes Sona SPEED as a vital collaborator in transforming urban air mobility in the nation.
“This partnership marks a pivotal moment in Sona SPEED’s journey as a center for aerospace innovation. Together, we aspire to create a cleaner, quicker, and more efficient future for urban transportation,” stated Chocko Valliappa, CEO of Sona SPEED.
According to the MoU, Sona SPEED will leverage its cutting-edge facilities in Karnataka to design and produce essential components, including motors and landing gear, for Sarla Aviation’s eVTOL aircraft.
“Sona SPEED’s proficiency in precision engineering aligns seamlessly with our vision for electric flying taxis. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to redefine urban mobility through state-of-the-art eVTOL technology,” remarked Rakesh Gaonkar, CEO of Sarla Aviation.
This development underscores India’s increasing ambition in sustainable urban air mobility and highlights the significance of partnerships in fostering innovation.
With a focus on creating eVTOL aircraft, Sarla Aviation aims to revolutionize urban mobility by offering faster, cleaner, and more efficient transportation solutions.
The company intends to begin test flights and develop more prototypes, aiming for a market launch by 2028.
