The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Civil Aviation granted conditional exemption to Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) for the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System or drones.

The drones will be used for Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System Project.

On Tuesday, Kerala chief minister announced the launch of the work on the project which aims to make canals in the city navigable. Netherlands-based consortium Antea Nederland BV and Unihorn have prepared the master Plan and DPR of the project which is mainly aimed at regenerating the canals in Kochi, thereby making them navigable.

The exemption is valid till 31 December 2021 or until full operationalization of Digital Sky Platform (Phase-1), whichever earlier, reports ANI.

KMRL is required to obtain necessary clearances from local administration, ministry of defence, ministry of home affairs, air defence clearance for Indian Air Force and Air Authority of India (AAI) prior to operation of the drones, the ministry said.

“This exemption shall be valid only if all conditions and limitations are strictly adhered to. In case of violation of any condition, this exemption shall become null and void," it added.

KMRL also requires permission for aerial photography from Directorate of Regulations and Information. DGCA or Ministry of Defence. The photographs shall also be used by KMRL only.

"KMRL shall ensure that only trained I experienced bona fide personnel operates the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) as per the approved SOP. Subsequently, the RPAS operator shall ensure that remote flight crew is trained through approved FTOs/ RPTOs."

"The drone operator is also required to ensure that the RPAS is in working condition and maintained as mentioned in the approved SOP and shall be responsible for any eventual ties due to malfunction I disorientation of equipment," the ministry said.