Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kurnool district (Andhra Pradesh) on the 16th of this month. During his visit, he will lay the foundation stone for the ambitious Drone City to be built in Orvakal, sub-urban of Kurnool. Prior to the event, the Prime Minister will visit Srisailam to offer prayers at the Sri Bramarambika Malleswara Swamy Temple.
Dron-hub in Orvakal
This drone hub in Orvakal is being conceptualized as India's first and largest Drone City, with the goal of making the country a global leader in drone manufacturing. The NDA government aims to make this hub a center of excellence for drone technology. Chandrababu Naidu intends to have Prime Minister Modi inaugurate the project to attract widespread public awareness and investment. To further promote the project, the state government is also planning a large-scale "Drone Show" in December to attract more investors and showcase the potential of the hub.
Extensive Security Arrangements
The state police department is making extensive security arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit to both Orvakal and Srisailam. Given his Z-Plus security status, every minute of his security protocol is being meticulously planned and monitored by various departments.
A team of approximately 7,500 personnel is being deployed under the supervision of 37 senior police officers, including four DIGs, 33 SPs, and 35 Additional SPs. Security corridors have been set up from Orvakal to Nannoor, with a police team stationed every 100 meters. The area is also being monitored with drone cameras, CCTV surveillance, mobile control rooms, and video-equipped vehicles.
Around the event venue, anti-sabotage check teams, bomb disposal units, sniffer dogs, and bomb detection squads are conducting continuous surveillance. The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive at the Orvakal Airport via a special flight, from where he will proceed directly to the Ragamayuri Green Hills public meeting venue in Nannoor.
Future Projections of the Proposed Drone City
The proposed Drone City in Orvakal is a strategic initiative by the Andhra Pradesh government to tap into the booming global drone market. The project goes beyond a simple manufacturing facility; it is envisioned as a comprehensive ecosystem for drone technology.
The Drone City is planned as a "Drone Hub," a complete ecosystem that will include manufacturing units and research & development centers. This hub will be provided manufacturing facilities for the production of various types of drones, from recreational to military-grade. Also provided many dedicated labs and research centers for innovation in drone technology, including AI, robotics, and software development. A training academy will be set-up to develop a skilled workforce of drone pilots, technicians, and engineers. Designated areas for testing drone performance, safety, and operational capabilities.
Strategic Location of Orvakal
Orvakal was chosen for its strategic location and existing infrastructure. The presence of an airport provides a direct air route for the movement of goods and personnel, while the area's vast, open spaces are ideal for drone testing and flight operations. This also leverages the "Aerospace & Defense" corridor that the Andhra Pradesh government is keen on developing in the region.
The Andhra Pradesh government anticipates significant economic and employment benefits from the project. The project is expected to attract both domestic and foreign investment, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a key player in the global drone market. The planned "Drone Show" in December is a part of this strategy to lure investors. The establishment of manufacturing units, R&D centers, and training facilities will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
The Drone City is aimed at becoming a hub for technological innovation, attracting startups and technology companies, thereby fostering a vibrant ecosystem for new-age technology. The project will also create a ripple effect on other industries, such as software development, electronics manufacturing, and logistics, boosting the overall economy of the region.
The state government, with the support of the central government, believes that this initiative will not only put India on the global map of drone technology but also act as a catalyst for economic growth and technological advancement in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
