Centre unveils the new drone policy
A major boost to startups focused on drone deliveries; Govt mulling over ‘Drone Corridors’ for cargo deliveries
image for illustrative purpose
Government has liberalized the drone policy by introducing 'Drone Rules 2021' on Thursday and it's likely to provide a fillip to the startups operating in this space. With the introduction of the new norms, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Rules 2021 has been repealed.
The new norms have now significantly eased the approval process as the startups and drone operators will no longer have to go through cumbersome approval process. The system will now operate based on self-certifications and non-intrusive monitoring. Even for cargo deliveries, the centre is mulling at creation of 'drone corridors' in the near future.
Under the new policy, the number of forms required for approval has been reduced from 25 to 5. Also, coverage of drones has now been increased to 500 kg from earlier 300 kg with reduction of
fees to nominal levels.
"The fee for a remote pilot license fee has been reduced from Rs3,000 (for large drones) to Rs 100 for all categories of drones and is valid for 10 years," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.
Moreover, digital sky website will now have an interactive airspace map with green, yellow and red zone mapping. Green zone means the airspace up to a vertical distance of 400 feet that has been designated as a red zone or yellow zone. Similarly, yellow zone is now reduced from 45 km to 12 km from the airport perimeter. Also, dedicated drone corridors will be developed for cargo deliveries.
Also, an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Promotion Council will be set up to facilitate a business-friendly regulatory regime.
We welcome the new drone rules released today by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. For the Drone industry, this is a significant boost towards commercial use for civilian applications. Though, certain nations like USA, Australia, Japan, Ireland and Africa have already started use of drones to benefit civilian population, India is poised to catch up with the new rules," Swapnik Jakkampuddi, Co-Founder at Skye Air Mobility said. The company is a done delivery startup headquartered in Bengaluru.
The new policy is likely to boost the operations of startups focused on drone technology apart from giving boost to their commercial prospects.
