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Odisha is establishing India's first commercial airport drone test corridor by partnering with local startup BonV Aero. The Rangeilunda Airport in Ganjam district will be transformed into a National UAV Test and Innovation Corridor, enabling live trials of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in low-altitude airspace up to 1,000 metres. The project supports BVLOS operations, indigenous research, and advanced UAV development. It also includes a dedicated UAV training centre and a flying training organisation, aiming to equip youth with aviation and drone skills while promoting defence, disaster response, and commercial drone applications.
The Odisha government has partnered with deep-tech startup BonV Aero to convert Rangeilunda Airport in Ganjam district into India's first operational commercial airport for drone testing. The agreement was signed earlier this week at the Wings India 2026 summit in Hyderabad, marking a major step in the state's aviation and drone technology initiatives. Advertisement
The National UAV Test and Innovation Corridor will allow real-world trials of drones in dynamic, low-altitude airspace up to 1,000 metres, rather than being limited to conventional lab-based zones. The corridor is designed as a regulatory sandbox to support beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, helping developers validate autonomy systems, propulsion, AI navigation, and high-density UAV missions.
State officials highlighted that formalising low-altitude airspace as critical infrastructure is key for supporting logistics, defence, disaster response, and commercial drone deliveries. The corridor will leverage Odisha's coastal and inland geography, providing diverse testing conditions for a range of UAV applications.
As part of the initiative, Odisha will also set up the first dedicated UAV training and testing centre at Rangeilunda, along with a flying training organisation at Dandaboshtha in Mayurbhanj district. These facilities aim to equip youth with advanced aviation skills, creating employment opportunities and positioning Odisha as a hub for drone technology and next-generation mobility.
Officials from BonV Aero noted that the corridor will significantly reduce technology readiness timelines by allowing real-world validation of autonomy stacks, navigation systems, and mission reliability. The development will proceed in phases aligned with the Centre's B-MAAN scheme, including swarm testing, AI-driven airspace management, and high-density UAV operations.
The Chief Minister's office emphasised that these projects will enhance innovation, skill development, and employment, strengthening Odisha's position in the country's civil aviation and drone ecosystem. Usha Padhee, principal secretary of commerce and transport, added that the collaboration with BonV Aero will help regulators and industry jointly shape the future of mobility in India.
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