Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma’s journey is a powerful reminder that big dreams can rise from the humblest beginnings. Born into a middle-class family in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Vishwakarma has scripted one of modern India’s most inspiring entrepreneurial stories — transforming his life from a tempo driver to the founder and chairman of India’s newest airline, Shankh Air.
Just seven years ago, the 35-year-old was working as a loader and driving tempos on the busy streets of Kanpur. Today, he is preparing to launch Uttar Pradesh’s first locally grown airline, turning a childhood dream into reality through sheer determination and hard work.
A Journey Shaped by Struggle and Persistence
Vishwakarma openly acknowledges his modest beginnings. He has not only travelled in tempos but driven them too. “A person who rises from the bottom sees every mode of transport — bicycles, buses, trains, tempos — everything,” he once said.
His early years were marked by experimentation and setbacks. He tried running small businesses and even drove autos with friends, but many of those attempts failed. The turning point came in 2014 when he entered the cement trade, marking the start of a steady climb in the business world.
Building a Business Empire Step by Step
Vishwakarma’s first major success arrived in the TMT rebar industry. From there, he expanded into cement, mining, and transportation. By establishing a large fleet of trucks, he strengthened his presence in the logistics sector and built the financial foundation needed for larger ambitions.
Each venture added experience, resources, and confidence — all of which eventually led him to consider aviation, one of the most complex industries in the country.
The Birth of Shankh Air
The idea of launching an airline came to Vishwakarma around four years ago. What began as a thought slowly turned into action as he studied aviation rules, licensing requirements, and the process of obtaining approvals.
“Once the idea struck me, I started understanding how the system works — from getting the NOC to following aviation norms,” he said, as quoted by PTI. “What started as an idea has now taken shape.”
Shankh Air has received its No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and is expected to begin operations in early 2026. The airline plans to launch with an initial fleet of three Airbus aircraft, connecting Lucknow with Delhi, Mumbai, and other major metro cities.
Making Air Travel More Accessible
Coming from a background where even dreaming big felt unrealistic, Vishwakarma believes air travel should not be seen as a luxury. “An aircraft is just another mode of transport, like a bus or a tempo. It shouldn’t be exclusive,” he said.
His vision for Shankh Air is rooted in accessibility — making flying more affordable and practical for everyday Indians, especially those from smaller cities.
As Shankh Air prepares for take-off, Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma’s story stands as a symbol of India’s changing entrepreneurial landscape — where determination, resilience, and belief can carry a person from the streets to the skies.
