In an effort to enhance expertise in the field of drone technology, the Telangana State Aviation Academy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC). Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced plans for the establishment of a Drone Port in Hyderabad following discussions with officials.
The proposed Drone Port, to be constructed at Pharma City, will cover an area of 20 acres and aims to meet the increasing demand for pilot training and facilitate trials for drone manufacturing companies. The initiative comes in response to challenges faced by the Telangana State Aviation Academy in conducting training activities at Hyderabad Airport due to rising air traffic.
The MoU with NRSC is aimed at providing advanced training for drone pilots. The agreement, signed in the presence of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, and ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, includes comprehensive training modules covering drone piloting, data management, and analysis.
As part of the collaboration, NRSC scientists and drone pilots will undergo a specialized 15-day training course focusing on data analysis, processing, and mapping at the Academy. The increasing use of drones in sectors such as agriculture highlights the importance of such training initiatives, offering efficiency gains for farmers and employment opportunities for Self-Help Groups.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy emphasized the importance of extending training to government officials to enhance awareness and utilization of drone technology. ISRO Chief S. Somanath praised the Telangana Aviation Academy’s excellence in the field, having received the best aviation award in the country 12 times.
In addition to the Drone Port project, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to address the renovation needs of Warangal Airport and explore the feasibility of restoring damaged runways to facilitate commercial operations. Efforts are also underway to consult with the Airports Authority regarding the establishment of airports in the Kothagudem and Bhadrachalam areas.
Ankit Kumar, CEO of Skye Air, welcomed the planned establishment of a Drone Port in Hyderabad, considering it a significant step towards positioning India as a global hub for drone technology by 2030. He emphasized the potential of the Drone Port to drive innovation and progress across various sectors, contributing to India’s journey towards embracing drones for diverse applications.
