India has transitioned from pilot drone projects to a regulated drone ecosystem with 38,500+ registered drones (Unique Identification Number (UIN). 

• The expanding drone ecosystem is reshaping public service delivery, infrastructure management, agriculture, and national security.

Transformation of Public Service Delivery through Drone Technologies

• Agriculture & Livelihoods: Namo Drone Didi Scheme (2023) provides drones to Women SHGs to generate sustainable rural livelihoods.
• Land Mapping: SVAMITVA Scheme (2020) uses drones for rural abadi surveys to resolve land disputes and enable property cards, improving access to institutional credit.
• Highway Monitoring: NHAI mandates monthly drone-video mapping of highway projects for progress tracking, digital reporting, discrepancy checks, and use as evidence in dispute resolution.
• Disaster Management:  E.g., North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) drones provide real-time aerial visuals during floods and landslides, aiding rapid assessment, coordinated rescue, and emergency response.
• Railway Surveillance: Ministry of Railways deploys UAVs for inspection of tracks, bridges, and hard-to-reach infrastructure, improving maintenance efficiency and safety.
• Defence Applications: Drones enable border surveillance, intelligence gathering and precision strikes; integrated with radar and air-defence networks, they enhance rapid threat detection and protection of critical infrastructure (e.g., Operation Sindoor).