As promised, Andhra Pradesh clears policy to build state as drone makers' hub

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved the drone policy which will boost tech development and job creation in the state. The policy includes establishing a Drone Development Centre in Kurnool and setting up pilot training and manufacturing units.

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, approved a series of key policies on Wednesday, aiming to make the state a leader in drone technology and data infrastructure.

The newly passed drone policy includes the establishment of a State Drone Corporation, a Drone Development Centre at Kurnool, and a network of training and manufacturing units. The state projects investments of Rs 1,000 crore in the drone sector, potentially generating Rs 3,000 crore in annual revenue and creating direct and indirect employment for 40,000 people.

This follows Chandrababu Naidu’s recent commitment to establish a comprehensive drone policy within 15 days of the Amaravati Drone Show, held on October 22 and 23.

The Cabinet also approved the Andhra Pradesh Data Centre Policy, targeting an additional 200 megawatts in data capacity. This policy seeks to attract advanced data centers equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities, further positioning Andhra Pradesh as a tech-driven hub.

The Cabinet also endorsed the semiconductor and Display Fab policy, in effect from 2024 to 2029. This policy offers up to an 80% subsidy in collaboration with the central government, aimed at luring global semiconductor companies to establish units within the state.

In legislative updates, the Cabinet moved to replace the Andhra Pradesh Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act, 1982, with a new 2024 bill that mandates stringent penalties and compensation for land grabbing offences. Also approved were bills to raise the retirement age of judicial officers to 61, amend the Andhra Pradesh Goods and Services Act, and regulate Indian-made foreign liquor.

The Cabinet further greenlit plans to revive the Kuppam Area Development Authority in Chittoor and form the Pithapuram Area Development Authority, alongside approving a proposal to construct a 189-km outer ring road connecting Amaravati and Vijayawada to major economic corridors, ports, and airports.