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

03 Oct 2025 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Transport

24 Oct 2025

Bengaluru Unveils Rs 1,200 Bn Infra Upgrade Plan

Bengaluru is set to receive a massive infrastructure boost worth Rs 1,200 billion under new projects planned by the Karnataka government to enhance urban mobility and connectivity. The initiative includes the expansion of the city’s metro network, construction of tunnel roads, elevated corridors, and 500 km of white-topping works to improve road durability. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will jointly execute the projects. Key projects include tunnel roads between Hebbal and Mekhri Circle, 25 new signal-free corridors, and ..

Cochin Shipyard delivers first indigenous ASW vessel ‘Mahe’ to Navy

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has delivered INS Mahe, the first indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), to the Indian Navy. The vessel is part of an eight-ship series being constructed under the Navy’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative to strengthen coastal defence capabilities. Designed and built entirely in India, Mahe features advanced sensors and weapon systems for detecting and neutralising underwater threats in coastal waters. The vessel underwent extensive sea trials before delivery, demonstrating high performance and manoeuvrability. This milestone reinfo..

Vedanta Group to invest Rs 1,000 billion more in Odisha projects

Vedanta Group has announced an additional investment of Rs 1,000 billion in Odisha to expand its operations across metals, energy, and downstream industries. Anil Agarwal, Chairman, made the announcement during the third edition of the Make in Odisha conclave, highlighting the state’s pivotal role in India’s industrial growth.The investment will focus on strengthening Vedanta’s aluminium and copper businesses, establishing new value-added facilities, and boosting employment in the region. The company already operates large-scale plants in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh, contributing significan..