---
title: "Maharashtra to set up drone-policy task force to drive implementation"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/maharashtra-drone-policy-task-force-90qpu
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-15T00:07:14.311Z
modified: 2026-08-15T00:32:25.840Z
language: en-IN
---

# Maharashtra to set up drone-policy task force to drive implementation

Maharashtra will form a ministerial task force, chaired by Ashish Shelar, to implement the state’s drone policy. The move follows a meeting with drone manufacturers and aims to consolidate R&D, indigenous manufacturing, testing, patents and subsidies into an integrated framework.

## Key takeaways

- A ministerial task force will oversee the implementation of Maharashtra's drone policy, chaired by Ashish Shelar and led by CM Devendra Fadnavis.
- The plan aims to consolidate R&D, indigenous manufacturing, testing, patents and subsidies into a unified policy framework.
- A Drone City is proposed for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, with a two-to-three-year incentive policy to secure land via MIDC.

## What Happened

During a meeting with drone manufacturing representatives in Mumbai on August 13, 2026, the Maharashtra government announced it would establish a ministerial task force to ensure effective implementation of the state’s drone policy. The task force will be chaired by Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Minister Ashish Shelar and will operate under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Fadnavis described the move as part of creating a "policy of policies" for the drone sector, bringing together provisions related to research and development, indigenous component manufacturing, testing, patents and subsidies under various state policies. He directed officials to provide integrated financial provisions for research and to strengthen the existing drone ecosystem, with a focus on both attracting new industries and supporting existing companies.

Other key directions included advancing the development of a "Drone City" in the Industrial City area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and considering a special incentive policy for the next two to three years to facilitate land availability for drone companies via the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). Officials were also urged to establish testing ranges, assist with patent costs, and enable entrepreneurs to access a range of central and state government schemes within a unified framework.

## Why It Matters

The move signals a state-level effort to accelerate drone manufacturing, research and defence-related opportunities by integrating multiple policy provisions into a single governance framework. By naming a dedicated task force and outlining concrete infrastructure and incentive plans, the state aims to strengthen its drone ecosystem and compete for investment against other states.

Industry stakeholders have raised concerns about incentives and policy drafting delays in the past. The announced steps seek to address those concerns by promising coordinated governance, enhanced testing facilities and targeted land access, potentially speeding up project development and deployment for both existing firms and new entrants.

## Background

Maharashtra previously rolled out a drone policy and, in June, approved the Maharashtra Automated Systems Policy 2026, which targeted substantial investment and job creation. The latest plan complements those developments by creating an organized mechanism to implement and optimize the policy framework, with a specific focus on R&D, indigenous manufacturing and defence opportunities.

## Key Facts

- Task force to implement the state’s drone policy to be chaired by Ashish Shelar; CM Devendra Fadnavis announced the move.

- Announcement made during a meeting with drone manufacturing representatives in Mumbai on August 13, 2026.

- Objectives include consolidating R&D provisions, indigenous manufacturing, testing, patents and subsidies from various state policies.

- Plan to develop a Drone City in the Industrial City area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

- Consideration of a special two-to-three-year incentive policy to secure land for drone firms via MIDC.

- Commitment to establish testing ranges and to assist with patent costs; aim to enable access to multiple Central and state schemes in an integrated manner.

- Context includes prior policy groundwork and a broader push to attract investment and create jobs in the drone sector.

## What Happens Next

The government is expected to form the task force and outline its mandate, timelines and funding provisions in a formal order. Implementation steps likely include mapping existing incentives, accelerating land allocation for Drone City, setting up testing ranges, and coordinating with MIDC and Central government schemes to streamline support for drone companies.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/maharashtra-drone-policy-task-force-90qpu
Reported from: Multiple Sources