Efforts underway to make AP the ‘Drone Capital’

State Roads & Buildings, Investment, and Infrastructure Minister BC Janardhan Reddy has called for collective efforts to realise Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of transforming Andhra Pradesh into the “Drone Capital” of India.
At a review meeting held on Tuesday, attended by Secretary for Investments & Infrastructure Dr N Yuvraj, Drone Corporation MD K Dinesh Kumar, and other senior officials, the minister emphasised aligning all initiatives with the Chief Minister’s ambitious goal.
Minister Janardhan Reddy highlighted the potential for Andhra Pradesh to become a role model in drone utilisation. Officials briefed him on a comprehensive study of drone applications across sectors such as agriculture, industry, traffic management, mining, medical services, and defence. The discussion also explored the use of drones for delivering medicines in remote areas, emergency response, and disaster management.
Plans to expand drone use in agriculture, particularly for field-level applications, were also outlined. Additionally, drones are being considered to combat illegal activities, including marijuana cultivation and unauthorised mining.
In a significant move, the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) has allocated 300 acres in Komarolu within the Orvakal Industrial Corridor for the establishment of the country’s first-ever Drone City. This initiative marks a milestone in strengthening the state’s drone ecosystem. The meeting also deliberated on implementing incentives and subsidies under the state’s Drone Policy to support budding drone entrepreneurs. Minister Janardhan Reddy stressed the importance of providing necessary assistance to foster growth in the drone industry and ensure the state remains at the forefront of drone innovation.
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