Gujarat Enhances Drone Manufacturing and Training in 19 ITIs

Synopsis

Gujarat is enhancing drone pilot training through 19 ITIs, led by Kaushalya - The Skill University. The initiative includes advanced training in manufacturing and programming, aiming to position the state at the forefront of India's drone ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

Expansion of drone pilot training in 19 ITIs.
Over 500 individuals trained and licensed.
Partnerships with technology firms for real-world exposure.
Upcoming campus in Shilaj, Ahmedabad.
Focus on building a self-sufficient drone ecosystem.

Gandhinagar, April 11 (NationPress) Gujarat is embarking on a significant expansion of drone pilot training across 19 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) within the state. This initiative, led by the government-operated Kaushalya - The Skill University (KSU), positions Gujarat at the cutting edge of India’s burgeoning drone education and manufacturing ecosystem.

Currently, the university’s School of Drones has successfully trained 504 individuals and awarded them official pilot licenses. Furthermore, more than 100 drones have been developed and assembled domestically at the institute.

State officials have announced that two ITIs -- Bilimora and Mandvi -- have already achieved DGCA recognition to function as RPTOs. The remaining 17 centres are in the pipeline as part of a broader initiative supported by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Labour and Employment Minister Balvantsinh Rajput.

The expansion extends beyond pilot training. The School of Drones has created an innovative educational framework termed 'Drone Mantra', which combines advanced training in drone manufacturing, programming, and operational skills utilizing state-of-the-art machinery and simulation laboratories.

This curriculum is bolstered by collaborations with leading technology firms, providing students with real-world industrial exposure.

KSU currently operates six specialized schools offering over 110 vocational programs. Its upcoming campus in Shilaj, Ahmedabad, which is being built at an investment exceeding Rs164 crore, is anticipated to become a key hub for high-skill training in sectors like robotics, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and drone technology.

This initiative is timely, considering the rapid transformation of various sectors by drone technology, including agriculture, logistics, defense, and infrastructure monitoring.

India’s drone market is expected to hit Rs1.21 billion by 2030, with Gujarat's proactive investments in training and certification aimed at equipping its youth for high-demand roles in the changing economy.

Officials stated that over 1,000 candidates have already undergone training in drone assembly and manufacturing at KSU, furthering the state’s ambition of establishing a self-sufficient drone ecosystem.

By focusing on local production and talent development, Gujarat aims to minimize reliance on imports while fostering innovation and job creation. “This isn’t solely about flying drones,” remarked a senior official in the labour department. “It's about integrating a workforce into the future where automation, data, and intelligent machines will shape the industry.”