Nalwa Aero Gets DGCA Nod For India’s First 5-Seater eVTOL
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Nalwa Aero Gets DGCA Nod For India’s First 5-Seater eVTOL

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.

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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian REITs Association Joins Global REIT Alliance

The Indian REITs Association (IRA) has become a member of the Global REIT Alliance, a coalition representing the global Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector. The alliance, launched at the European Public Real Estate Association’s 2025 ReThink conference in Stockholm, aims to promote cross-border cooperation, policy dialogue, and market standardisation for the growth of REITs as an investment asset class.The Global REIT Alliance, which includes members from 24 countries, focuses on promoting global awareness of securitised real estate, supporting sustainable investment, providing indust..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Vande Bharat May Soon Connect Chennai and Rameswaram

Southern Railway plans to introduce a Vande Bharat Express between Chennai and Rameswaram following the completion of electrification on the 53-km Ramanathapuram–Rameswaram section.A proposal has been submitted to the Railway Board to operate the new daytime service from either Chennai Egmore or Tambaram, aiming to ease congestion on existing overnight trains along the 600–660 km route.Officials noted that while the section is cleared for electric locomotives, a 220-metre gap near Uchipuli will undergo trials before the Vande Bharat is introduced. The final route will consider travel time,..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RITES Partners with Etihad Rail to Boost Infrastructure Collaboration

RITES, a leading transport infrastructure consultancy and engineering firm, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAE-based Etihad Rail to enhance business collaboration with its subsidiary, National Infrastructure Construction Company (NICC).The partnership aims to combine RITES’ five decades of expertise in consultancy, transport infrastructure, and engineering with NICC’s execution capabilities, creating synergies for infrastructure projects across the UAE and other regions.The MoU was signed by HE Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, and Rahul Mithal, Chairman and Managing Di..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?