FedEx, IIT Madras Run India’s First Intra-City Drone Trial
Why in the news
FedEx and IIT Madras carried out what they call India’s first intra-city middle-mile drone delivery trials in Bengaluru on 20 April 2026.
Key facts
- Trials were held in Bengaluru on 20 April 2026, with autonomous drones.
- Partners: FedEx, IIT Madras (through the FedEx SMART Centre) and Amber Wings, a startup incubated at IIT Madras.
- Route: Electronic City Phase II to a location near Bangalore International Airport.
- Distance and time: 53 km by road (60 minutes) versus 39-42 km by air (about 21 minutes).
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was involved in coordination.
| Mode | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Road | 53 km | 60 minutes |
| Drone | 39-42 km | About 21 minutes |
About middle-mile delivery
Middle-mile delivery moves goods between hubs, warehouses or facilities rather than to a customer’s doorstep. The trial tests whether drones can shorten such transfers in a congested city.
Exam angle
- Distinguish middle-mile (between facilities) from last-mile (to the customer).
- Remember names: FedEx, IIT Madras, Amber Wings, Bengaluru.
- Time saved: about 60 minutes to 21 minutes.
- Drones link to civil-aviation regulation by DGCA.