The Maharashtra government has approved the Maharashtra Automated Systems Policy 2026, a major initiative aimed at positioning the state as a leading hub for drones, robotics and autonomous vehicle technologies.
The decision was cleared at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The policy seeks to accelerate growth across the entire automated systems ecosystem, covering research and development, innovation, manufacturing, deployment, operations, maintenance and repair.
State officials expect the initiative to attract investments worth nearly Rs 25,000 crore and generate more than one lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities over the coming years.
Designed to remain in force for at least five years, the policy will support industries involved in advanced automation technologies used across air, land and maritime environments.
It aims to encourage applications in sectors ranging from infrastructure monitoring and industrial inspections to agriculture, environmental management, logistics, disaster response and public safety.
Among the key focus areas are drone-based bridge and expressway inspections, aerial land surveys, crop spraying, fisheries monitoring, warehouse automation, medical supply delivery and emergency response operations.
The policy also promotes the use of automated systems for coastal surveillance, firefighting support and crowd management.
To strengthen the ecosystem, Maharashtra plans to establish three dedicated Centres of Excellence for automated systems. The government will also prioritise skill development, with a target of training around 5,000 remote pilots.
Special emphasis will be placed on expanding the Namo Drone Didi programme, under which more than 1,000 women from self-help groups are expected to receive certification and training for drone operations in agriculture.
The policy further outlines a range of incentives, including support for fixed capital investment, electricity subsidies, GST reimbursements, stamp duty exemptions and patent registration assistance.
Detailed implementation guidelines, eligibility norms and funding mechanisms will be issued separately by the state government.