Mumbai: The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved the Maharashtra Autonomous Systems Policy 2026 to promote research, innovation, manufacturing, deployment, and maintenance of autonomous technologies across the state.
The policy aims to accelerate the growth of industries involved in drones, robotics, and autonomous vehicles by supporting manufacturing, engineering, training, and research and development activities. Maharashtra expects the initiative to attract investments worth approximately ₹25,000 crore and create over one lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The policy will remain effective for a minimum of five years and will support the deployment of autonomous systems across air, land, and maritime sectors. Key areas of application include infrastructure inspection, agriculture, environmental monitoring, public safety, disaster management, logistics, and urban services.
To strengthen the ecosystem, the state will establish three dedicated Centres of Excellence and train around 5,000 remote pilots. Special emphasis will be placed on the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, under which more than 1,000 women from Self-Help Groups will receive training and certification as drone pilots for agricultural operations.
A detailed Government Resolution outlining incentives, eligibility criteria, and implementation guidelines will be issued separately.
