GUWAHATI: India is set to introduce an on-road vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) air ambulance service, joining a select group of nations with such advanced medical transportation systems.
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A non-binding agreement worth over $1 billion has been signed to procure 788 electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air ambulances, which will be deployed across all districts in the country. The agreement was put in place between an IIT-Madras-based electric aircraft startup named ePlane Company and ICATT, India’s leading air ambulance service provider.
The air ambulances will be equipped with a pilot, a paramedic, a patient, and a stretcher, along with essential life-saving medical equipment. Designed for rapid response, these aircraft will have a top speed of 200 kmph and a range of 110-200 kilometers per battery charge, making them suitable for inter-city and rural medical emergencies.
This initiative has been taken to revolutionise emergency medical services, addressing challenges posed by increasing vehicular congestion in urban and semi-urban areas. These air ambulances will be used to provide critical medical support, ensuring faster and more efficient patient transportation. As electric-powered vehicles, they are also expected to reduce environmental impact while enhancing emergency healthcare accessibility.
The deployment of these aircrafts is expected to commence by late 2026, with the startup aiming to manufacture 100 units per year.
Notably, India’s eVTOL sector has seen positive growth, with multiple startups exploring opportunities in aerial transportation. The government is also considering easing airspace restrictions to facilitate the operations of eVTOLs and drones for medical and logistical purposes.
