India’s electric aviation dream just got wings. In a major breakthrough, Punjab-based startup Nalwa Aero has become the first Indian company to receive Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its 5-seater electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft — a key step toward launching air taxis in the country.
A Landmark Moment For India’s Electric Aviation Future
The DOA certificate was officially handed over to CEO Kuljeet Sandhu by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu at the North India Aviation Summit. This approval validates Nalwa Aero’s design, engineering, and safety protocols and marks a crucial regulatory milestone in India’s push toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) and sustainable air mobility.
The aircraft is designed to operate intra-city and inter-city routes, offering a top speed of 350 km/h and a range of up to 300 km. Its electric propulsion system ensures quieter, zero-emission flights — a critical advantage in urban environments grappling with congestion and pollution.
Urban Air Mobility: From Vision To Reality
Nalwa Aero aims to launch commercial eVTOL services by 2028, positioning itself as a pioneer in India’s Urban Air Mobility (UAM) landscape. The company envisions deploying its aircraft across high-density corridors to supplement existing transportation infrastructure and significantly reduce travel times in cities.
If successful, this could transform how people commute — offering point-to-point air taxi services over congested city roads, reducing emissions, and creating a new layer of sustainable mobility.
