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The Gujarat government has initiated plans to establish vertiports across multiple cities, aiming to facilitate air taxi services.
This initiative aligns with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) recent guidelines, which set the framework for the operation of electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft in India .The state has constituted a multi-departmental committee comprising representatives from civil aviation, revenue, urban development, and transport sectors. This committee is tasked with overseeing the project’s implementation, ensuring that the development of vertiports meets both national standards and local needs. Vertiports, designed to accommodate both VTOL and Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft, require specialized infrastructure. The committee will assess existing aviation facilities—such as heliports, airports, runways, and airstrips—for potential conversion into vertiports. This approach aims to optimize resource utilization and expedite the project’s rollout.
The government plans to involve private operators and corporate entities in utilizing these facilities. Comprehensive technical and feasibility studies will be conducted to evaluate demand patterns and optimize service utilization. A key focus will be on ensuring that air taxi services are accessible to the general public through affordable pricing structures. Moreover, the integration of air taxi services into emergency response systems and other essential public services is under consideration. The committee will study implementations of VTOL and STOL operations in other states and countries to adopt best practices. The establishment of a dedicated regulatory agency to oversee these operations is also being contemplated.
The DGCA’s guidelines provide specifications for the essential infrastructure needed to support vertiport operations, including standards for visual aids to assist in landings, battery charging requirements, and emergency preparedness . These guidelines are instrumental in granting site clearance and authorization post-construction of a vertiport. Gujarat’s proactive approach positions it at the forefront of adopting advanced air mobility solutions in India. By aligning with national regulatory frameworks and focusing on sustainable, inclusive urban development, the state aims to transform its transportation landscape, offering a glimpse into the future of urban mobility.
