Andhra Pradesh to Establish 300-Acre Drone Hub in Kurnool, Aiming to Train 35,000 Drone Pilots.

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced plans to establish a 300-acre Drone Hub in Kurnool, with the ambitious goal of training 35,000 drone pilots. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made this announcement during the inauguration of the two-day Amaravati Drone Summit 2024 in Vijayawada recently.

Naidu emphasized that Amaravati is poised to become the "drone capital of India," positioning Andhra Pradesh as a leader in drone technology. The initiative aims to foster drone manufacturing, innovation, and research within the state.

Highlighting the state's commitment to leveraging advanced technology, Naidu noted the effective use of drones during the recent floods in Vijayawada to deliver essential supplies like food and water. He stated, "Drones can solve traffic problems in cities, improve agricultural processes, and bring revolutionary changes to healthcare."

In addition, the state government plans to unveil a new Drone Policy within the next 15 days to encourage innovation and create a business-friendly environment for drone manufacturers and innovators. The Chief Minister invited stakeholders to use Andhra Pradesh as a pilot-testing ground for their drone projects. Successful pilot projects could then be expanded statewide and replicated across the country.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation K. Ram Mohan Naidu praised the initiative, asserting that India is on the brink of significant advancements in drone innovation. He added that Andhra Pradesh is developing India's first Drone City, which will serve as a hub for cutting-edge technology to transform various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and logistics.

HBL