Ministry of Civil Aviation passes Drone Rules 2021

27 Aug 2021 CW Team

The central government announced that the Civil Aviation ministry has passed the new Drone Rules 2021, replacing the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rules 2021.

On July 15, the government revealed the new drone rules and invited suggestions from stakeholders and the industry till August 5.

The stakeholders praised the new rules as they would simplify the process and decrease the agreement pressure to operate a drone in India.

The declaration of new rules took place right after the government provided conditional approval to ten organisations comprising Bayer Crop Science, and Mahindra and Mahindra, Steel Authority of India (SAIL) to use drones for different purposes for one year.

The need for reworking the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rules 2021 circulated four months ago after long discussions with stakeholders, likely showing the disappointment of the drone community with the previous rules that threatened to drown the drones with over-regulation.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, Civil Aviation Minister, told the media that drone application in mining, infrastructure industry, logistics, defence, and more would provide job opportunities. He said they aim to make India a worldwide global drone hub by 2030.

Moreover, Scindia added that currently, nearly 200 startups are a part of the drone ecosystem in India. He informed that there is a possibility of launching drone taxis in the country under the new drone policy.

Under the Drone Rules 2021, the government has decreased the fee to operate a drone to low levels and de-linked the drone size.

The drone coverage has also expanded from 300 kg to 500 kg, including heavy payload-carrying drones.

Other significant characteristics of the new rules comprise the addition of drone corridors for cargo deliveries, including setting up an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Promotion Council to promote a business-friendly regulatory regime.

Image Source

Also read: Govt nods usage of drones for 10 firms for various purposes

The central government announced that the Civil Aviation ministry has passed the new Drone Rules 2021, replacing the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rules 2021.On July 15, the government revealed the new drone rules and invited suggestions from stakeholders and the industry till August 5.The stakeholders praised the new rules as they would simplify the process and decrease the agreement pressure to operate a drone in India.The declaration of new rules took place right after the government provided conditional approval to ten organisations comprising Bayer Crop Science, and Mahindra and Mahindra, Steel Authority of India (SAIL) to use drones for different purposes for one year.The need for reworking the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rules 2021 circulated four months ago after long discussions with stakeholders, likely showing the disappointment of the drone community with the previous rules that threatened to drown the drones with over-regulation.Jyotiraditya Scindia, Civil Aviation Minister, told the media that drone application in mining, infrastructure industry, logistics, defence, and more would provide job opportunities. He said they aim to make India a worldwide global drone hub by 2030.Moreover, Scindia added that currently, nearly 200 startups are a part of the drone ecosystem in India. He informed that there is a possibility of launching drone taxis in the country under the new drone policy.Under the Drone Rules 2021, the government has decreased the fee to operate a drone to low levels and de-linked the drone size.The drone coverage has also expanded from 300 kg to 500 kg, including heavy payload-carrying drones.Other significant characteristics of the new rules comprise the addition of drone corridors for cargo deliveries, including setting up an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Promotion Council to promote a business-friendly regulatory regime.Image SourceAlso read: Govt nods usage of drones for 10 firms for various purposes

Infrastructure Urban

07 Oct 2025

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..