India's dream of air taxis is taking flight with the unveiling of "Shunya," the country's first flying taxi prototype, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. This groundbreaking development is a collaboration between precision manufacturing firm Sona SPEED and Bengaluru-based Sarla Aviation, marking a significant step towards revolutionizing urban mobility in India.
Sarla Aviation is developing India's most advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and "Shunya" represents a tangible manifestation of this ambition.
The prototype has garnered significant attention, including from Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, who expressed keen interest in this historic step towards sustainable and futuristic transportation.
Sona SPEED, known for its involvement in various Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) space missions, brings its expertise in precision engineering to this partnership. The company will utilize its state-of-the-art facilities in Karnataka to design and manufacture critical components for Sarla Aviation's eVTOL aircraft, including motors and landing gear.
This collaboration leverages Sona SPEED's experience with ISRO's demanding space programs, ensuring the flying taxi benefits from technology proven in some of the most challenging environments. This synergy between space technology and urban mobility solutions highlights India's commitment to innovation and self-reliance.
"This partnership is a significant step in Sona SPEED's evolution as a hub for aerospace innovation. Together, we aim to shape a cleaner, faster, and more efficient future for urban transportation," said Chocko Valliappa, CEO of Sona SPEED.
Sarla Aviation, focused on developing eVTOL aircraft, aims to transform urban mobility with faster, cleaner, and more efficient transportation solutions. "Shunya" is a testament to this vision.
"Sona SPEED's expertise in precision engineering perfectly complements our vision for electric flying taxis. This collaboration reinforces our mission to redefine urban mobility with cutting-edge eVTOL technology," said Rakesh Gaonkar, CEO of Sarla Aviation.
While "Shunya" marks a significant milestone, the journey towards operational flying taxis is still ongoing. Sarla Aviation plans to conduct rigorous test flights and develop further prototypes, with a target market launch date of 2028. This ambitious endeavor promises to reshape urban transportation in India, offering a glimpse into a future where air taxis become a reality.
