Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], October 22 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu attended the two-day Amaravati Drone Summit 2024 on Tuesday and shared a roadmap for the future of drone technology in the state.
During his address, Naidu unveiled the vision to make Amaravati the "drone capital of India" and announced the allocation of 300 acres of land in Kurnool district for the development of a drone hub. He further announced plans to train 35,000 drone pilots in the state, positioning the Andhra Pradesh as a human resource hub for drone technology..
"Amaravati will become the drone capital of India, and Andhra Pradesh will lead the way in drone technology," he said.
Additionally, he promised that within 15 days, the state government would release a comprehensive drone policy to establish a business-friendly environment for drone manufacturers and innovators, an official press release said.
Addressing the summit, Naidu outlined the innovations that would drive the state's growth and keep Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of technology-driven development.
Naidu appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that under his leadership, India will become the third-largest economy in the world.
"We are fortunate to have a dynamic Prime Minister in Narendra Modi, who has promoted Brand India across the world. Under his leadership, India is on track to become the third-largest economy," Naidu said.
He further highlighted how Andhra Pradesh had adapted to technology, citing the recent use of drones during floods in Vijayawada, where they were deployed to deliver food and water to affected areas.
Speaking to the media during the event, Naidu emphasized that drones would be used for development, contrasting this with their use in warfare. He stated that Andhra Pradesh would serve as a case study for this vision.
"We will produce here proof of concept. One is a cost-effective solution and also affordable. Once we scale it up, then automatically the cost will be reduced. Finally, India is going to have the best advantage. People are using drones for wars. We are going to use drones for development... Andhra Pradesh will be a case study. We will use all use cases and also proof of concept will be produced and replicated. The government of India is working; we are working; it is in the interest of the people," he said.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu also attended the summit, noting, "More than six thousand people participated in the Amaravati Drone Summit and a lot of people are showing enthusiasm towards the drone industry. The event has been a success today with the guiding principles from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu... At the summit, he announced that he is going to cater to 300 acres specifically for a drone city... This is going to be a game-changer not only for Andhra Pradesh but the whole country... Companies are coming up with innovative, game-changing solutions... Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu wants to encourage those kinds of technological interventions."