Almora: While Western countries, particularly those in Europe and the United States, are spending millions on developing flying cars and advanced aerial vehicles, a young innovator from Almora has attracted attention with a low-cost, indigenous attempt at developing a personal flying vehicle.
Innovator Ravi Tamta successfully test-flew his electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle twice at the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Sports Ground in Almora on Saturday. During the demonstrations, Ravi remained airborne for around three minutes and completed a circuit of the stadium.
He also demonstrated vertical take-off and landing capabilities, along with aerial manoeuvres. A large number of people gathered at the venue to witness the demonstration and appreciated the innovation.
Ravi also conducted a successful demonstration in the presence of Almora District Magistrate Anshul Singh. The district administration assured him of all possible support for his innovation. Following the flight demonstration, several people took photographs and selfies with Ravi and the vehicle.
Ravi’s eVTOL Can Take Off Without a Runway
The eVTOL technology allows an aircraft to take off vertically and land without requiring a conventional runway. In a multi-rotor configuration, the speed of individual propellers is controlled to maintain stability and manoeuvrability.
The technology also allows such vehicles to operate from relatively small spaces, making vertical take-off and landing one of their key features.
Ravi Invites CM Dhami for a Flight
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to Ravi Tamta over the phone and assured him of all possible assistance. During the conversation, Ravi invited the Chief Minister to visit Almora and experience his flying vehicle.
eVTOL Innovation Also Underway at IIT Madras
India is also witnessing growing work in the eVTOL sector. The IIT Madras-incubated ePlane Company unveiled the full-scale prototype of its e200X (PT-01) in July 2026.
The two-seater electric aircraft is being developed for applications including air taxis, cargo transportation and air ambulances. The company has planned to begin flight testing in mid-2027.
Flying Car Projects Underway Abroad
Several companies around the world have been working on flying vehicles for years. Slovakia-based Klein Vision developed the AirCar, which can operate on roads and transform for flight using its wings.
In 2021, the AirCar demonstrated its capabilities by flying from Nitra to Bratislava in Slovakia, covering around 75 kilometres by air in approximately 35 minutes.
Dutch company PAL-V has also developed the Liberty, a vehicle designed to operate both on roads and in the air. The United States, China and Japan are also making rapid progress in flying car and eVTOL technologies.
However, such technology has yet to become widely available for everyday public use. Against this backdrop, Almora-based young technology entrepreneur Ravi Tamta has developed a prototype of an indigenous personal flying vehicle, the eVTOL ‘Hapida Skynax’, and successfully conducted flight tests.
