India Unveils Draft Civil Drone Bill 2025 for Public Consultation, Proposing Stricter Regulations

Ministry of Civil Aviation Releases Draft Drone Bill

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in India has officially released the draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025, for public consultation. This significant legislative proposal seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for the regulation, promotion, and security of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) across the nation. The public and stakeholders are invited to submit their feedback on the draft bill until September 30, 2025.

The proposed bill aims to repeal the existing Drone Rules, 2021, and introduce a more robust legal structure to ensure the safe, secure, and responsible use of drones. Its objectives include fostering innovation, supporting industry growth, and integrating drones into civil airspace, while also safeguarding public safety and privacy through enhanced compliance measures and penalties.

Key Provisions and Regulatory Framework

Under the new draft legislation, several key provisions are outlined to govern drone operations in India. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is designated as the primary regulatory authority.

• Mandatory Registration: All drones will require a Unique Identification Number (UIN). The bill explicitly states that no UAS can be owned, operated, sold, purchased, or transferred without this mandatory registration.
• Type Certification: Approval from the DGCA will be compulsory for the manufacturing, sale, and operation of drones.
• Remote Pilot Requirements: Operators will need a valid remote pilot certificate, obtained after completing training and certification from authorized organizations.
• Digital Sky Zones: The airspace will be categorized into three zones: Green Zone for free flying, Yellow Zone requiring Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearance, and Red Zone where central government permission is mandatory.
• Compulsory Insurance: All drone operators will be required to have third-party insurance coverage.
• Safety and Security Features: Drones must be equipped with anti-tampering, traceability, and airworthiness compliance features.

Penalties, Compensation, and Industry Reaction

The draft bill introduces stringent penalties for non-compliance. Violations could lead to fines of up to ₹1 lakh and imprisonment for up to 3 years, particularly for offences in restricted zones. The bill also grants the DGCA and police the power to confiscate drones, electronic records, and devices in cases of violations.

In terms of victim compensation, the bill proposes ₹2.5 lakh for death and ₹1 lakh for grievous injury, with claims to be handled by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal.

Drones used by security forces, government agencies, and those weighing over 500 kg are exempt from these new regulations, falling instead under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.

The industry has reacted to the draft, with Smit Shah, President of the Drone Federation India (DFI), noting that the new bill appears to make drone laws stricter, potentially rolling back some of the liberalizations introduced in the Drone Rules, 2021. The Indian drone industry is currently valued at approximately ₹3,000 crore and is projected to reach $11.06 billion by 2030.