Kanpur | January 1, 2026

In a remarkable story of grit and ambition, Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Kanpur, has gone from driving tempos on city roads to founding India’s newest airline, Shankh Air. His journey, rooted in hardship and persistence, reflects how determination and patience can turn even the most unlikely dreams into reality.

Born into a middle-class family in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Vishwakarma’s early life was far from easy. He openly admits that academics never interested him much, and financial responsibilities came early. To support himself, he worked as a loader and tempo driver, spending long days navigating the crowded streets of Kanpur. Those years, he says, gave him a deep understanding of everyday transport and the struggles of ordinary people.

Vishwakarma recalls that he has not only travelled in tempos but also driven them. According to him, someone who grows up at the grassroots level gets to see every mode of transport closely—bicycles, buses, trains, autos and tempos. This exposure later shaped his thinking about transport as a basic service rather than a luxury.

Like many first-generation entrepreneurs, his early business attempts were not always successful. He tried running small ventures, partnered with acquaintances, and faced repeated failures. However, things began to change around 2014 when he entered the cement business. This marked the first major turning point in his life.

Gradually, Vishwakarma found success in the TMT rebar industry, which gave him both financial stability and confidence. Building on that foundation, he expanded into cement, mining and transport. By creating a large fleet of trucks, he strengthened his position in the transport sector and established a strong business identity. These ventures eventually provided the capital and experience needed to think bigger.

About four years ago, Vishwakarma began considering the idea of starting an airline. He says the thought stayed with him, and he slowly started learning about the aviation industry. He studied the rules, the process of securing approvals, and the working of the system. What began as a distant idea slowly turned into a clear plan.

Shankh Air is now set to begin operations in early 2026, after receiving a No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. According to Vishwakarma, the airline is expected to start flights in the first half of January with an initial fleet of three Airbus aircraft. The first routes will focus on connecting Lucknow with Delhi, Mumbai and other major metro cities.

The aim behind Shankh Air, Vishwakarma says, is simple—to make air travel more accessible. Coming from a modest background, he believes flying should not be seen as something meant only for a few. In his words, an aircraft is just another means of transport, much like a bus or a tempo, and should be treated that way.

He also reflects on how, in the environment he grew up in, even dreaming beyond basic survival felt unrealistic. Earning a steady income was considered enough, and thinking bigger was often discouraged. Despite this mindset, Vishwakarma chose to imagine a different future.

Shankh Air is also significant as it is being described as Uttar Pradesh’s first locally-grown airline. Its launch adds a new chapter to India’s aviation story, especially as it comes from someone with no elite background or inherited wealth.

As the airline prepares for take-off, Vishwakarma’s journey has already inspired many. From hauling goods in tempos to planning flight routes between major cities, his story stands as a reminder that ambition, when paired with hard work, can truly change the direction of a life.

: From Kanpur Streets to the Skies: Tempo Driver Shravan Vishwakarma Launches India’s New Airline Shankh Air

From driving a tempo on the busy streets of Kanpur to launching India’s newest airline, Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. At 35, the Uttar Pradesh–based entrepreneur has turned a childhood dream into reality with Shankh Air, a homegrown airline set to begin operations in early 2026.

Born into a middle-class family in Kanpur, Vishwakarma was not keen on studies and started working early in life. He spent years as a loader and tempo driver, doing whatever it took to earn a living. Those days, he says, helped him understand the real meaning of transport and the struggles of common people. He tried several small businesses along the way, many of which failed, but he refused to give up.

His turning point came around 2014 when he entered the cement trade. Success in the TMT rebar business followed, allowing him to expand into cement, mining and the transport sector. With a growing fleet of trucks and stable businesses, he slowly built the foundation for bigger dreams.

The idea of starting an airline came to him about four years ago. Instead of rushing, he took time to understand the aviation process, rules and approvals. Today, that idea has taken shape as Shankh Air, which has received a No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Shankh Air is expected to start flights in January 2026 with three Airbus aircraft, connecting Lucknow to Delhi, Mumbai and other metro cities. Vishwakarma’s goal is simple: make air travel affordable and accessible. For him, an aircraft is just another mode of transport, like a bus or a tempo.

His story proves that big dreams can take flight from the humblest beginnings.