Odisha to Set Up India’s First Commercial Airport Drone Test Corridor
The Odisha government has announced plans to establish India’s first commercial airport–based drone test corridor at Rangeilunda Airport in Ganjam district, marking a major step in the state’s push toward advanced unmanned aviation.
The proposed corridor will provide a controlled yet dynamic airspace where commercial drones and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems can be tested under real-world operating conditions. The initiative is designed to support next-generation drone capabilities, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, swarm drone trials, artificial intelligence-driven navigation, and autonomous airspace management.
To implement the project, the state government is partnering with BonV Aero, a Odisha-based deep-tech startup specialising in aerospace and drone technologies. The collaboration aims to bridge industry innovation with regulatory oversight, creating a safe and scalable testing environment for emerging UAV solutions.
According to officials, the test corridor will enable practical trials of navigation systems, autonomous flight operations, and payload integration. It is also expected to support diverse applications such as drone-based logistics, precision agriculture, aerial surveillance, and disaster response missions.
The initiative aligns with Odisha’s broader aviation and aerospace development strategy. The state is already planning drone training centres and flying training organisations at regional airports, creating a supportive ecosystem for skill development and technology adoption.
By launching the commercial airport drone test corridor, Odisha aims to attract investment in drone research and manufacturing, strengthen the local startup ecosystem, and position itself as a leading hub for unmanned aviation innovation in India.
CEO, Mavdrones
Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.
