Vaidehi Bhargava
Bengaluru, a city known for its tech industry and bustling traffic, is about to witness a revolutionary mode of transport—electric flying taxis. Soon, people will be able to travel from Kempegowda International Airport to Electronics City in just 19 minutes. This is a significant reduction in travel time, compared to the 1-2 hours it can take by road during peak traffic.
These electric flying taxis are part of an ambitious plan to ease Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion. Developed by a company called Blade India, these vehicles are designed to provide fast, sustainable, and efficient transport. The taxis are electric-powered, meaning they produce zero emissions, making them an eco-friendly alternative to traditional road-based vehicles.
The flying taxis will operate from dedicated helipads or “vertiports.” Passengers can book their rides via an app, similar to how ride-hailing services like Uber or Ola work. The process is simple: passengers will arrive at the vertiport, board the electric flying taxi, and reach their destination in a fraction of the time it would take on the road.
The major highlight is the 19-minute travel time between the airport and Electronics City, which is one of Bengaluru’s busiest tech hubs. Currently, this journey can take anywhere between 60 to 120 minutes by car, depending on the traffic situation. By contrast, the flying taxi service promises to cut this time dramatically.
As for the fare, each ride is expected to cost around Rs 1,700. While this may seem expensive compared to regular taxi or bus services, the speed and convenience offered by these taxis could make them a popular choice for business travelers, tech professionals, and others who need to save time.
Although a specific date for the service launch hasn’t been confirmed yet, it is expected to roll out in the coming months. Blade India is currently conducting trials and setting up the necessary infrastructure.
This innovative transport solution is expected to not only save time but also reduce the number of vehicles on the road, contributing to a decrease in Bengaluru’s traffic and pollution levels. Additionally, it could serve as a model for other cities in India that are grappling with traffic issues.
With electric flying taxis on the horizon, Bengaluru is on its way to becoming a more connected, futuristic city.