The state of Andhra Pradesh is making remarkable progress in establishing itself as a leading force in the global drone industry by developing the nation's first and largest drone city. This new metropolitan area is proposed to be situated in Orvakal, a town within the Kurnool district, and will serve as India's primary center for drone technology, manufacturing, and innovation. This ambitious initiative, which is anticipated to significantly stimulate the state's economy and create thousands of employment opportunities, was announced by K. Dinesh Kumar, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh Drone Corporation, during a roundtable conference in Vijayawada.

Orvakal to Be the Site of India’s First Drone City

The drone city is set to cover an area of 300 acres in Orvakal and will include state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to the research, development, testing, manufacturing, and maintenance of drones. During the roundtable conference, attended by over 100 prominent industry leaders and investors, Kumar articulated the vision behind this project, aiming to establish Andhra Pradesh as a front-runner in drone innovation and production. He also noted that land acquisition for the project has been successfully completed, with construction expected to commence shortly.

This initiative is not merely a local endeavor; it represents a transformative step to position Andhra Pradesh as the drone capital of India while also integrating it into the international drone manufacturing landscape," Kumar stated. The strategically located Orvakal, equipped with considerable infrastructural potential, is regarded as an optimal venue for this large-scale industrial initiative, providing avenues for technological advancements and industrial expansion.

A Vision Supported by the State Government

The formation of the drone city aligns with the long-term objectives of Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, who has been a vocal advocate for the state’s emergence as the “drone capital” of India. Under Naidu’s leadership, the state government has been diligently working to cultivate an environment conducive to innovation, investment, and the growth of the drone industry.

The drone city will encompass not only the production of drones but will also prioritize cutting-edge research, particularly for developing advanced applications in critical sectors such as agriculture, defense, logistics, and emergency services. Kumar emphasized the vast potential for job creation, projecting the generation of over 40,000 new jobs once the city is fully operational.

The World’s Largest Drone Testing Facility

One of the standout features of the Orvakal drone city project is its planned world-class drone testing facility. According to Kumar, this facility will be the largest commercial drone testing center globally, providing a platform for drone manufacturers to test their products under varied conditions. This testing facility is expected to attract international drone companies, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a top destination for drone innovation.

The decision to establish this facility has been widely welcomed by industry leaders. Several global investors and drone manufacturers have already shown interest in setting up operations in Orvakal,” Kumar noted. The state government’s policy of seamless permit issuance and land allocation is expected to drive further investments into the region.

Skill Development: A Key Priority for the Future

Alongside infrastructure development, skill development remains a major focus of the Andhra Pradesh government. The state is running specialized training programs for students from engineering and polytechnic colleges, as well as for young professionals aspiring to enter the drone industry. These programs are designed to equip the next generation of talent with the skills required for drone manufacturing, maintenance, and operations.

In partnership with the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design, and Manufacturing (IIITDM) in Kurnool, the state is already conducting practical workshops on drone technology. These workshops are designed to provide students and industry professionals with hands-on experience, ensuring that the workforce is ready to meet the increasing demands of the rapidly growing drone sector.

Additionally, the state government is educating local authorities and government officials on the potential applications of drones across various sectors, such as agriculture, logistics, and defense. Efforts are also underway to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies into drone operations to improve efficiency and expand their capabilities.

Attracting Global Investment

Andhra Pradesh is also keen on establishing itself as a formidable competitor in the global drone manufacturing market. To achieve this, the state is working to create world-class infrastructure and offering attractive incentives to foreign investors, including subsidies, tax breaks, and streamlined regulatory processes. By providing these incentives, the state aims to challenge industry giants from countries like China, the United States, and Belgium.

Kumar emphasized that the Orvakal drone city will not only serve domestic demand but will also contribute significantly to the international market. The planned world-class drone testing facility, along with the state’s strategic location and robust infrastructure, is expected to attract substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) and help the region become a key player in the global drone market.

A Global Hub for Drone Innovation and Manufacturing

The Orvakal drone city is set to revolutionize India’s drone industry by providing a comprehensive ecosystem for the development, testing, and production of drones. This project will create new opportunities for innovation and businesses across the globe, setting the stage for India to become a leader in cutting-edge drone technology.

The integration of AI and other advanced technologies into drone operations could have far-reaching implications. From improving supply chain efficiency to enhancing disaster response capabilities and advancing precision farming techniques, drones have a vast range of applications that will be explored in Orvakal.