New Delhi: Delhivery Ltd, India’s largest integrated logistics provider, has completed successful testing of its autonomous Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) delivery drone in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in the company’s drone-powered logistics ambitions. The trial was conducted by Delhivery Robotics, the company’s drone manufacturing subsidiary, and showcased in the presence of Deoria MP Shashank Mani.
The drone—carrying a consignment of medicines—completed a 12-km autonomous pre-programmed flight in just 12 minutes, compared with nearly 40 minutes by road due to difficult rural terrain. The demonstration highlighted the potential of aerial logistics to sharply cut delivery timelines in underserved regions.
“Technology like this can greatly improve ease of living for rural citizens. We welcome Delhivery’s initiative to explore drone corridors in Deoria, which aligns with our vision of a digitally connected and innovative Uttar Pradesh,” MP Shashank Mani said during the demonstration.
Delhivery’s prototype drone fleet has been engineered to operate in India’s challenging weather and geographic conditions. The showcased aircraft can carry payloads of up to 5 kg across 60–90 km on a single charge, using a hybrid design that enables vertical takeoff like a helicopter and forward flight like an airplane. A larger platform capable of lifting 20 kg is currently under development.
“Our technology is built for India. The ability to bypass road constraints allows us to turn next-day delivery into next-hour delivery for urgent shipments,” said Nikhil Ummat, Head of Engineering at Delhivery. He added that Deoria represents an ideal test case, being an emerging urban hub surrounded by remote rural settlements.
Delhivery also underlined the wider economic impact of drone-led logistics, noting that the sector will create new high-skill jobs—from drone pilots to maintenance specialists—particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns.