Maharashtra Sets Up Task Force to Implement State Drone Policy

MUMBAI — The Maharashtra government announced the establishment of a dedicated ministerial task force to enforce the Maharashtra state drone policy, aiming to position the state as a major commercial and defense unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing hub in India. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a high-level stakeholder meeting held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai on August 13, 2026.

The newly formed committee will be chaired by Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence Minister Ashish Shelar. The primary goal of the task force is to create a unified administrative framework—termed a "policy of policies"—that consolidates existing research, testing, patent support, and capital subsidies scattered across multiple state government departments.

Unified Framework and 'Drone City' Development

To accelerate execution, Chief Minister Fadnavis directed state officials to expedite plans for a dedicated "Drone City" situated within the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Industrial City area. The proposed industrial complex will provide specialized infrastructure for UAV hardware assembly, software development, and specialized testing environments.

+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------+
| Task Force Lead                          | Minister Ashish Shelar (Electronics, IT, & AI)             |
+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------+
| Target Ecosystem Investment              | ₹25,000 Crore Framework (Unmanned Systems Policy 2026)     |
+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------+
| Primary Industrial Location              | 'Drone City' at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar                   |
+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------+
| Core Focus Areas                         | R&D, Testing Ranges, Patent Costs, Land Allocation         |
+------------------------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------+

(Source: Government of Maharashtra & Directorate of Information and Public Relations)

Under the direction of the task force, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is reviewing a two-to-three-year incentive structure to simplify land acquisition processes for drone equipment manufacturers. Additionally, the state plans to subsidize testing facility costs for startups and established enterprises until full-scale state testing ranges are completely operational.

Strategic Significance for Industry and Investors

The decision for Maharashtra to set up task force to implement state drone policy builds directly upon the earlier approved Unmanned Systems Policy 2026–2031, which targets ₹25,000 crore in total sector investments and the creation of over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.

By streamlining administrative channels, the government intends to reduce operational delays that have historically hindered deep-tech hardware manufacturing in India. The task force will also integrate local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and self-help groups into defense procurement chains and agricultural flight programs, including the expanded Namo Drone Didi initiative.

Official Sources Section

Official policy announcements and administrative orders are cataloged by the Chief Minister's Office Maharashtra and distributed via the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations. Industrial land allotment and manufacturing infrastructure updates are managed through the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation.

Quote Section

"According to official statements, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the necessity of a single-window mechanism, stating that Maharashtra will consolidate various research, patent, and component manufacturing subsidies into a unified system so entrepreneurs can easily access state incentives."

Why It Matters

Establishing a centralized task force directly addresses longstanding bureaucratic delays faced by drone component manufacturers, defense contractors, and commercial UAV operators. Streamlining access to land, capital subsidies, and testing infrastructure reduces overhead costs for deep-tech startups while accelerating local job creation across manufacturing and remote pilot sectors.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Task Force Leadership: Headed by IT and AI Minister Ashish Shelar.

• Flagship Hub: Accelerating the creation of "Drone City" at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

• Investment Goal: Aligns with Maharashtra's ₹25,000 crore Unmanned Systems Policy target.

• Incentive Integration: Pools R&D, patent assistance, and testing grants into a single portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who leads the new Maharashtra drone policy task force?

The ministerial task force is led by Ashish Shelar, Minister for Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.

Where is the proposed 'Drone City' being developed in Maharashtra?

The government is expediting the development of 'Drone City' in the industrial belt of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

How does Maharashtra plan to help drone startups with testing costs?

The state plans to provide interim financial assistance to cover testing fees at third-party facilities until dedicated government testing ranges are fully operational.

Source: Chief Minister's Office Maharashtra, Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation.