In a significant leap for Indian quick commerce, BigBasket has introduced drone-based deliveries at an apartment complex in Bengaluru, marking a new chapter in last-mile logistics. This initiative, currently exclusive to the Prestige Falcon City on Kanakapura Road, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to urban delivery, blending technology and convenience in a real-world setting.

1. Inside the Pilot Program
Although the drone delivery trial began in March, the project was formally launched only last week, according to BigBasket staff. Under this system, drones transport groceries, medicines, and daily-use items from a nearby dark store to the apartment premises. From there, a dedicated BigBasket delivery executive ensures items are delivered directly to individual flats, minimizing delays and human contact.

2. A Unique Collaboration with Residents
This initiative represents the first collaboration between a quick commerce player and a residential complex in India. Avinash HV, president of the Bengaluru Apartment Federation (South) and a member of the Prestige Falcon City RWA, explained that the partnership aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve delivery speed, and limit unnecessary foot traffic into the complex. Each drone delivery can handle a payload of up to seven kilograms, and if an order exceeds this, two drones are dispatched to complete the delivery efficiently.

3. Faster Than Traditional Methods
Despite the six-kilometer distance from BigBasket’s dark store, the drones complete the trip to Prestige Falcon City in just 4 to 5 minutes. This rapid turnaround stands in sharp contrast to traditional two-wheeler deliveries, often delayed by Bengaluru’s infamous traffic. Currently, two drones are in operation to serve the needs of the 2,500-flat complex.

4. Powered by Homegrown Drone Tech
The drones powering this innovative delivery system are developed by Skye Air Mobility, a startup headquartered in Gurugram. Specializing in aerial logistics, Skye Air has equipped BigBasket with the tools to make drone delivery in densely populated residential areas a reality.

5. India’s First Live Drone Delivery in E-Commerce
While India has previously witnessed experimental drone deliveries — including blood samples and vaccines — this marks the first live and consistent use of drones for consumer e-commerce deliveries. Attempts by companies like Dunzo and Swiggy had shown promise but did not scale up. Zomato had even acquired a drone firm in 2018, only to exit the venture two years later.

6. A Glimpse at the Global Drone Delivery Scene
Globally, drone logistics is already in motion. In China, companies like Meituan and Antwork are running commercial drone routes in cities like Shenzhen and Beijing, using specially designed kiosks as drop-off points. These systems handle urban complexity while offering high efficiency, especially for medical deliveries and hard-to-reach places like sections of the Great Wall.

In the United States, Amazon has tested drones in remote regions, but has yet to scale the model nationwide. However, India's unique urban challenges — particularly traffic bottlenecks — make it a strong candidate for drone delivery to become mainstream, especially for large housing societies.

7. Looking Ahead: The Future of Drone Deliveries
Although expansion to other areas in Bengaluru may take time, this pilot could become a blueprint for drone-based logistics in Indian cities. If scaled thoughtfully, drone deliveries could not only speed up e-commerce fulfillment but also optimize urban mobility, reduce carbon emissions, and reshape how India thinks about everyday essentials.

BigBasket’s bold move might just signal the beginning of India’s aerial commerce revolution.