Delhi government proposes drone policy to create 1,000 jobs

The Delhi government is preparing to table a new drone policy for cabinet approval within a month, a move expected to create over 1,000 jobs. Developed by the Information Technology department, the policy aims to establish a regulated ecosystem for safe drone operations in the national capital.

Key components of the framework include the creation of drone research clusters, dedicated flight-testing facilities, and centers of excellence. The government plans to provide subsidies and state GST reimbursements to encourage innovation. The policy will also focus on capacity-building through pilot training projects and remote pilot training organizations (RPTOs).

Proposed uses for drone technology include policing, disaster management, surveillance, mapping, and traffic management. The government also intends to explore drone applications in the real estate, telecommunications, and media sectors. Officials noted that the policy must account for the fact that approximately 60% of Delhi is currently designated as a 'no drone zone' due to various VIP installations and sensitive areas. To ensure safety and prevent misuse, the policy will integrate with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) Digital Sky platform.