9MARCH 2026ATHER ENERGY EXPANDS SERVICE NETWORK TO 500 CENTRES ACROSS INDIAMISSION DRONE SHAKTI TO BOOST INDIA'S DRONE MANUFACTURING PUSHAther Energy has announced the expansion of its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance electric vehicle (EV) ownership and service support.This expansion aligns with Ather's growing retail footprint and its commitment to ensuring seamless and convenient EV ownership for riders across the country.From the outset, Ather Energy has focused on providing comprehensive service support in every city where it sells its scooters, reinforcing its emphasis on customer satisfaction and reliability. As part of the expansion, Ather has introduced Gold Service Centres, equipped with modern customer lounges, state-of-the-art service equipment, and streamlined processes designed to enhance transparency.India is moving ahead with Mission Drone Shakti, a proposed INR 1,600­1,800 crore scheme aimed to boost India's drone manufacturing and cutting dependence on Chinese imports.The plan focuses on building a strong domestic ecosystem by supporting local companies and encouraging innovation in critical drone components.The company also offers the ExpressCare initiative, a 60-minute periodic maintenance service available at 82 centres, allowing riders to complete routine maintenance quickly without compromising on service quality.In FY26, Ather Energy nearly doubled its service network, increasing from 277 to 500 service centres, further cementing its commitment to service excellence. This expansion also reflects the company's ongoing efforts to enhance its service quality and improve the customer experience at every touchpoint.Additionally, Ather Energy's CEO, Tarun Mehta, has emphasized the impact of the Auto PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) reforms, stating that these reforms will boost startups in the EV space and foster greater innovation and growth. Ather, as a leader in the EV market, has been leveraging these reforms to scale its operations and strengthen its position in the fast-evolving automotive industry.These initiatives reflect Ather's ongoing mission to drive the electric vehicle revolution in India while ensuring its customers have access to top-notch service and support at every stage of their journey. The company's growing service network and investment in service quality position it to continue leading the way in the EV sector, providing convenient and reliable EV ownership experiences nationwide. Under Mission Drone Shakti, the government is looking to split funding between research and production. Around INR 500­600 crore will go toward drone R&D in India, while INR 1,000­1,200 crore will support local manufacturing incentives and sales-linked benefits. The scheme is designed to reward companies that produce and sell drones and components within the country.A major focus is reducing reliance on imported parts such as motors, propellers, and airframes. These components currently come largely from China, creating supply risks. By promoting indigenous drone production, the government aims to secure supply chains and strengthen national security.The proposal is expected to roll out by FY2027, pending approvals from the finance ministry and the cabinet. Once cleared, it could play a key role in expanding the Indian drone industry growth, especially across defense and civilian use cases like agriculture, logistics, and surveillance.The move aligns with India's broader push for self-reliance in technology and manufacturing. With rising demand and policy support, Mission Drone Shakti could position India as a competitive player in the global drone market while accelerating innovation at home.
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