Ambitious Project to Establish Maharashtra’s First Drone Cluster in Pimpri-Chinchwad

Pune | An ambitious project aimed at giving a new boost to the industrial sector in Pimpri-Chinchwad is set to be implemented. The Maratha Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) has taken the initiative to establish the state’s first Drone Cluster along with a Food Processing Technology Cluster.

This will be Maharashtra’s first industrial cluster dedicated to promoting the rapidly growing drone industry. MCCIA is currently preparing a detailed project report for both clusters and will soon submit it to the Industries Department for approval. As per the plan, both clusters are expected to become operational by the end of March 2027.

In the first phase, nearly 200 micro and small entrepreneurs are expected to directly benefit from the project. The cluster will provide facilities such as testing infrastructure, research and development support, prototype design, pre-market production facilities and expert guidance. This will offer strong support to entrepreneurs entering the drone and food processing sectors.

What is the Drone Cluster?

The Drone Cluster, to be set up in the Pimpri Industrial Area, will provide integrated facilities under one roof for drone design, research, testing and related technologies, including components and spare parts. With increasing use of drones in defence, agriculture, disaster management, surveying and transportation, the cluster is expected to significantly boost the drone industry in the state.

Food Processing Technology Cluster in Hadapsar

The Food Processing Technology Cluster will be established at the Chamber’s office in Hadapsar. It will serve as an integrated facility centre for agriculture and food processing industries. The objective of this cluster is to provide quality testing, preliminary export certification and expert guidance under one roof.

After MCCIA submits the proposal to the Industries Department, the project will require final approval from the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, followed by fund allocation, tender processes for machinery procurement, software and manpower arrangements and selection of experts before commencement.

According to MCCIA, the project will play a significant role in opening new avenues for micro and small industries in Maharashtra.

“Establishing the state’s first Drone Cluster and Food Processing Technology Cluster in Pimpri-Chinchwad will be a major milestone for the industrial sector. It will create new opportunities for micro and small enterprises, generate employment and encourage innovation in emerging sectors. We have taken a firm stand to extend full support to this project. For local entrepreneurs in the drone industry, this will be a golden opportunity.”

– Mahesh Landge, MLA, BJP, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune.