Drone deliveries will soon be possible in India
Additional drone logistics operations will be deployed in India shortly, streamlining logistics operations and allowing for faster cargo transit.
"Drones would help the logistics sector," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2022, while unveiling the National Logistics Policy (NLP).
This also bolsters the already prevalent optimism in the drone industry that additional drone logistics operations will be deployed in India shortly, streamlining logistics operations and allowing for faster cargo transit.
About the new policy and expectations, Prem Kumar Vislawath, Founder and Chief Innovator of Marut Drones said, "It's a good move for the whole logistics industry since it targets the technical side of logistical operations and the efficiency element. It also aims for a multimodal logistics framework, parks, additional logistics, and warehouses that are ideal for drone applications. So, in the end, we see a lot of digitalisation or multimodal transportation, such as warehouse to micro warehouses, central warehouses, and dark centers. This entire logistics process will be both cost-effective and timely".
Vislawath believes that under the new policy, drones would mostly be utilised for middle-mile deliveries, with agriculture taking precedence over pharmaceuticals. Recognising that demand for drones would soon rise, Marut drones have begun manufacturing with the goal of producing 100 drones each day. The drones will be of long-range and short-range with a payload capacity of 5 kg and 20 kg respectively.
Ankit Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Skye Air Mobility, said the policy laid out a road map. "The policy is a sort of a road map for reducing India's heavy reliance on road transportation and moving toward a combination of rail, sea, road, and air/drone transportation. The policy should facilitate better integration of domestic and foreign supply chains. The introduction of a Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) and the digital integration of departments like road transportation, railroads, customs, and aircraft including drones would facilitate efficient cargo flow."
He added that the NLP would help provide more structure to the industry. "The new regulation will simplify and organise the logistics industry by removing obstacles. The government also emphasised enhancing talent pools. The policy intends to cut expenses and increase employment possibilities".