Drones for essential supplies: Pune-based project set for launch on Wednesday

Sanjeevan Bharat, an ambitious UK government-funded project undertaken by Pune’s KEM Hospital Research Centre in association with city-based start-up Volar Alta, which aims to use drones to deliver essential medical items in remote villages, is all set for its launch on Wednesday at Manchar in the district.

Starting with the first drone delivery in Manchar, the trials are focused on laying the foundation for a more structured and scalable drone delivery network that will improve access not only to vital healthcare supplies, but also essential food items.

Funds to the tune of £70,000 (approximately over Rs 60 lakh) were allocated over a period of three and a half months from December 16, 2021 to March 31, 2022.