Urban congestion is a growing nightmare. Long commutes, jam-packed roads, and slow emergency response times highlight the urgent need for smarter, more efficient transport solutions. Enter drone technology—a game-changer that has already transformed surveillance, deliveries, and defense operations.
But now, the industry is gearing up for its next big leap: passenger drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft.
From Equipment to People: The Evolution of Drones
Drones have come a long way from their early days of surveillance and logistics. The latest innovations in air mobility technology are now focused on carrying people, making rapid evacuations, medical emergency transport, and urban air travel a near reality.
Pune-based Sagar Defence Engineering (SDE) is at the forefront of this transformation. Their latest drone, an upgraded version of the Varuna HA (High Altitude), is currently in the testing phase.
Originally designed in 2022 for the Indian Navy to transport up to 150kg of equipment, this next-generation model aims to carry up to 200kg at high altitudes.
“We are working on a drone that can shift people during medical emergencies and help with evacuations during disasters,” says Lakhsay Dang, CTO of SDE. He also believes this technology could ease urban congestion, especially in high-traffic zones.
SDE’s success in the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies (ADITI) challenge, organized by the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) program, further proves that India's defense sector is betting big on advanced drone mobility solutions.
Also read: How 3d printing is transforming defence drone development.
EVTOL Aircraft: The Future of City Commuting
While drones take urban mobility to new heights, another technological marvel is preparing for liftoff—Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (EVTOL) aircraft. These futuristic vehicles promise to redefine inter-city travel and emergency response systems.
Hyderabad-based BluJ Aerospace is leading this innovation with India’s first hydrogen-powered EVTOL aircraft. Unlike traditional EVTOLs that rely on lithium batteries, this aircraft uses hydrogen fuel, making it more sustainable and energy-efficient.
“Our EVTOL aircraft will revolutionize air travel by making commuting between cities faster and more accessible,” says Pranay Rebala, Vice-President - Product at BluJ Aerospace. The aircraft’s second version, currently under development, aims to extend travel range from 300km to 800km while carrying up to one tonne of weight.
These aircraft will also be lighter and faster than helicopters, enabling quick takeoffs and landings in compact spaces.
How Aerial Transport Will Change Urban India
The integration of passenger drones and EVTOL aircraft into India’s transport system is not just about convenience—it’s about saving lives, reducing congestion, and improving connectivity. Here’s how:
Faster Emergency Response: Medical drones could cut down response times drastically, delivering aid or transporting patients in minutes.
Reduced Traffic Congestion: Air taxis could provide an alternative to road transport, reducing traffic pressure in major cities.
Eco-Friendly Travel: With hydrogen-powered EVTOLs and electric drones, aerial transport could significantly lower carbon emissions.
Better Access to Remote Areas: Many rural and tier-2 and tier-3 cities lack proper air connectivity. EVTOLs could bridge this gap without requiring massive airport infrastructure.
Also read: MP set to become the next big drone manufacturing hub.
The Road Ahead for Aerial Mobility in India
With government initiatives like UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) aiming to boost regional air connectivity, these next-gen transport technologies could play a vital role.
While large-scale adoption will require regulatory approvals and infrastructure development, companies like Sagar Defence Engineering and BluJ Aerospace are proving that urban air mobility is not a distant dream—it’s an imminent reality.
The future of urban transport in India is taking off—literally. Whether for emergency evacuations, daily commutes, or inter-city travel, the skies are set to become our new highways. The only question is: are we ready for this revolution?
