Air taxi to cut office and hospital travel to minutes, know where and when it will begin
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): People troubled by ever-growing traffic congestion in Delhi-NCR may get major relief in the coming years. To reduce pressure on road traffic, a proposal for an air taxi corridor has been put forward. If implemented, travel from central Delhi to Gurugram could take just about 12 minutes.
According to a report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the air taxi corridor could offer an effective solution to long-standing traffic and infrastructure challenges in Delhi-NCR. The report states that this initiative has the potential to transform urban mobility.
Proposal to connect Gurugram, Connaught Place and Noida Airport
CII has proposed a pilot advanced air mobility corridor linking Gurugram, Connaught Place and Noida International Airport. The plan focuses on the safe use of modern aviation technologies, including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. At present, the project remains at the proposal stage and has not yet received official approval.
Expansion planned for other metros if successful
The report adds that if the model proves successful in Delhi-NCR, it could later be extended to other major cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad.
Boost for air ambulance and public services
Air taxi services could also support emergency medical needs. Under the plan, vertiports may be developed at major hospitals, enabling faster patient transfers between facilities, including AIIMS and other large medical centres.
Significant reduction in travel time
Once operational, air taxis are expected to drastically cut travel time. The report estimates that central Delhi to Gurugram could be covered in less than 12 minutes, compared to one to one-and-a-half hours by road. Similarly, travel from Connaught Place to Noida International Airport may take under 20 minutes, against the current two to three hours by road.
Safety rules remain the biggest challenge
As the national capital includes several high-security zones, air taxi operations will not be permitted over areas such as Delhi Cantonment, Lutyens’ Delhi and IGI Airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will need to frame new standards, routes and safety protocols. Fire safety, emergency evacuation and clear airspace management will be mandatory before the project can move forward.