Adoption of drone technology in the Indian construction industry

Drones have emerged as a widely adopted digital technology across various industries, offering transformative advancements in construction. Application of drones are expanded throughout all phases of constructions, including pre-construction site analysis, active construction management, and post construction documentation. In the Indian context, the drone market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 80% from 20 to 25; however, its adoption remains predominantly concentrated in military and agricultural applications. While previous research has mainly focused on the operational-level implementation of drones in construction, limited studies have examined their strategic adoption. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the factors influencing drone adoption at a strategic level. A survey-based research approach was proposed to collecting data from key stakeholders in the Indian construction industry. Statistical analyses, including binary regression modelling, were conducted to assess the impact of economic, social-legal, operational, and construction-related factors on drone adoption. The findings highlight those economic advantages such as project costs and optimized resource utilization, as primary drivers of drone adoption. Operational factors, including access to high-quality equipment and training programs, are also critical. Furthermore, Social acceptance and compliance with government regulations are essential, along with meeting the construction industry’s demand for precise data collection and efficient inventory management. To overcome existing barriers, this study recommends targeted investments in skill development, policy interventions to streamline regulatory frameworks, and incentives for domestic drone manufacturing. Integrating drones with advanced construction technologies is essential to enhancing efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and overall industry transformation. These strategic measures are vital for unlocking the full potential of drones in India's construction sector.