How Much Time Will It Take For Drones To Be Used For Last-Mile Delivery In India?

Studies and Research have shown that drones have high potential to revolutionize and change the way how the last mile delivery is being done in India. Drones will reduce the delivery times, reduce cost and also increase efficiency. With the partnership of Skye Air Mobility, India’s first drone-based delivery done by DTDC , from Bilaspur to Gurugram sector 92, covering 7.5 km in just 3-4 mins, usually it took 20 minutes by road.

While countries like China and the US are already testing the drone delivery services, India is still in the early stages. 

So have you ever thought how long it will take for drones to become a common mode of delivery in India? 

Let’s explore the timeline based on the real world challenges, regulatory approvals and technology advancements in India at this point of time. 

Short Term (1-3 years) – Pilot Projects And Limited Use 

The Indian Government has introduced the drones rule in 2021 that simplifies drone operation and encourages the use of drones for commercial use. With this regulation companies like Swiggy and Flipkart have successfully conducted trials on drone delivery in few limited areas. 

The most expected service will be medical supplies delivered to remote locations. E-Commerce companies are also trying drone delivery in areas like gated communities and industrial tech parks. The key challenges in this area are regulatory hurdles, safety, security and privacy. 

Mid Term (4 -7 years) Expansion to E-Commerce And Urban Trials 

Once BVLOS drone operations are approved companies will deploy drones for small deliveries in urban and semi urban areas. Companies like Flipkart, Amazon and Zomato will integrate drones into their logistic network. 

Delivering Goods through drones India

For this purpose a dedicated ‘drone corridor’ will be developed and AI power traffic control systems are also under progress. The key challenge in this area is to ensure drones navigate India’s congested urban landscapes, weather conditions other challenges such as driver strikes, flying restrictions over vital locations (naval bases, army and police compounds, airports), and precise location identification. 

Long Term (8-10 Years) Full Scale Adoption In Metro Cities

By 2035 drones will be the common last mile delivery method in top cities. Customers will receive delivery via drone landing stations on rooftops or some designated drop zones. As the technology advances, regulations come into effect, drone delivery will become cheaper than the available delivery methods. Drones are seen as a sustainability factor. They will reduce carbon emission compared to the traditional delivery done now. 

To achieve this the key challenge that we have to navigate is regulatory standards while ensuring seamless integration with existing logistic networks. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion drone deliveries are already being tested; full scale adoption will take at least 8 to 10 years. So by 2028 or 2030 we can expect regular drone deliveries, particularly for food delivery, medical supplies and e-commerce. 

But this is a prediction. The successful implementation of drone delivery will depend upon how it overcomes the mentioned challenges and position as an effective and dependable service.