Delhivery has successfully tested its autonomous logistics drone in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh. The drone, carrying medicines, completed a 12km pre-programmed flight in approximately 12 minutes, significantly faster than the 40 minutes typically required by road. This demonstrates the potential for high-speed rural connectivity and transforming last-mile delivery in India. The drone can carry payloads up to 5 kg.
Autonomous Drone Testing
Delhivery has successfully completed testing of its autonomous Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) drone technology in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, on December 7, 2025. The test was performed by Delhivery Robotics India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Delhivery.
Demonstration Highlights
The event featured a live demonstration of a Delhivery drone transporting medicines. The drone autonomously completed a 12km flight path in approximately 12 minutes, compared to the 40 minutes it would typically take by road. This highlights the potential of aerial logistics to improve last-mile delivery in India.
Technology and Capabilities
The showcased drone is part of Delhivery’s prototype fleet, designed for challenging terrains and weather conditions. It can carry payloads up to 5 kg over distances of 60-90 km on a single charge. The drone features a hybrid design, taking off vertically and flying horizontally. A new platform is under development that will carry up to 20 Kilograms.
Future Impact
The drone program is expected to create new employment opportunities, requiring skilled pilots, maintenance engineers, and ground operations staff in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Comments from Leadership
Shri Shashank Mani stated, “Uttar Pradesh is rapidly evolving into the industrial engine of New India… To promote Viksit Deoria under project Amrit Prayas with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, we are committed to supporting deep-tech innovations…”.
Nikhil Ummat stated, “Our technology is built for the realities of Indian geography… Deoria was chosen for this pilot because it represents the perfect use case—a growing urban center serving a vast, often inaccessible rural population.”
Source: BSE