Odisha’s aspirations to become a major player in the burgeoning industry received a significant boost with the official launch of the ‘Kaushal Rath’ initiative by the Honorable Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi. As part of this ambitious initiative under the Skilled-in-Odisha mission. IG Drones, a leading drone technology and analytics company based in Odisha, is set to train over 10,000 youth in advanced drone technology fundamentals through National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)-certified courses. IG Drones have specially designed a state-of-the-art drone simulator which is India’s first Indigenously developed Drone Simulator launched in the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The Indian drone market is on a trajectory of rapid growth, projected to expand from USD 654 million in 2024 to USD 1,437 million by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.0%. This surge is largely driven by increasing demand across diverse sectors such as agriculture, defense, and e-commerce. Recognizing this potential, IG Drones, founded by two Odia entrepreneurs Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya and Om Prakash, is committed to positioning Odisha as a pivotal state in India’s journey to becoming a global drone hub by 2030. The company’s efforts are geared towards harnessing the state’s talent pool, offering them cutting-edge skills in drone technology that are increasingly sought after in the job market.
Expressing his vision for the initiative, Mr. Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya of IG Drones, stated, “Odisha has immense potential to become a key player in the drone industry. Through the Kaushal Rath initiative, we aim to equip the youth with advanced skills in drone technology and artificial intelligence, which are crucial for the future. By training a skilled workforce, we are not only supporting India’s goal of becoming a global drone hub by 2030 but also making Odisha a central hub for drone technology and innovation. Our unique approach focuses on practical, hands-on experience, ensuring that our trainees are job-ready and able to leverage these skills in various industries. Our recent initiative, where we assisted Odisha Police with AI-powered technology for traffic management during the Rath Yatra festival, is a testament to the innovative spirit we are nurturing.”
Er. Subhen Kumar Behera, Principal, Govt. ITI Laxmipur, Koraput, said, “Kaushal Rath, a commendable initiative by the Government of Odisha, provided students from my institute with training in the fundamentals of drone technology through IG Drones. This program enriched them with knowledge from Skill India NSDC-certified courses.”
The Kaushal Rath initiative is designed to extend advanced skill development opportunities to students in Odisha, particularly those in remote and underserved areas. The program’s mobile training units are fully equipped with state-of-the-art drone technology, providing a comprehensive curriculum that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This holistic approach ensures that participants not only understand the fundamentals of drone technology but are also proficient in its application. IG Drones is providing training on hands-on experience on drones and its various applications in the industry making the students equipped with the technology.
As India aims to become a global leader in drone technology by 2030, initiatives like Kaushal Rath are crucial for building a skilled workforce capable of driving this vision forward. IG Drones is playing a pivotal role in this transformation, focusing on making Odisha a center of excellence for drone technology. The company’s involvement is not just about training; it’s about creating a robust ecosystem that supports innovation, employment, and economic growth in the region.
As the Kaushal Rath buses travel across Odisha, they will function as mobile classrooms, bringing high-quality education and training directly to the doorstep of aspiring students. This initiative aims to overcome geographical and infrastructural barriers, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their location, has the opportunity to develop relevant skills and knowledge. By empowering the youth with advanced drone technology skills, IG Drones is helping to lay the foundation for a vibrant and innovative drone industry in Odisha and beyond.
