In a milestone for India’s electric aviation sector, Punjab-based startup Nalwa Aero has become the first Indian company to secure Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for a 5-seater electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The certificate was formally presented to CEO Kuljeet Sandhu by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu at the North India Aviation Summit. The achievement marks a significant step in the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and India’s ambition to advance sustainable, next-generation mobility.

The 5-seater eVTOL is designed for intra-city and inter-city operations, with a top speed of 350 km/h and a projected range of up to 300 km. Its electric propulsion will enable quieter flights, lower emissions and align with green mobility goals. Nalwa Aero is targeting 2028 for the launch of commercial operations, with plans to integrate the aircraft into urban air mobility networks along high-density corridors.

The DOA validates that Nalwa Aero’s design, engineering and safety standards meet DGCA’s requirements. The company now leads India’s electric aviation drive, which aims to tackle traffic congestion, cut emissions and transform short-haul travel in urban centres.

However, challenges remain in certification, infrastructure development, cost economics, public acceptance, and integration with air traffic systems. Commercial success will depend on vertiport networks, charging infrastructure, pricing models and regulatory coordination.

If successful, India could see operational eVTOL air taxi services by the late 2020s, opening faster and greener travel options while signalling opportunities for investors, regulators and innovators in the electric aviation sector.