Turkish Drone Link Scandal Hits MP Metro Deal
• Turkish Firm Tied to Pakistan Gets Metro Contract
• Metro Deal with Drone Supplier Sparks Uproar
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
A Turkish firm linked to supplying drones used by Pakistan in attacks on India has been awarded the digital ticketing contract for Indore and Bhopal Metro projects. The exclusive information, investigated by the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT), has sparked national security concerns and political backlash. An investigation is underway, with potential cancellation of the contract.
Contents
Turkish Drone Link Scandal Hits MP Metro Deal• Turkish Firm Tied to Pakistan Gets Metro Contract• Metro Deal with Drone Supplier Sparks UproarMetro Security in Question as Foreign Contractor Gets Sensitive AccessAlso Read: Dharavi Park Row: Adani’s Land Grab Sparks Outrage.Political Fallout Hits BJP-Led Government Ahead of Metro LaunchOpposition
A Turkish company previously linked to drone supplies used by Pakistan against India has been awarded a critical contract for the Indore and Bhopal Metro projects in Madhya Pradesh. The firm, Asis Elektronik, is responsible for installing digital ticketing and operational systems across the metro network.
Controversy erupted after it was revealed that Asis Elektronik’s parent company, Asisguard, had previously supplied Sonar drones to Pakistan. These drones were allegedly used in cross-border attacks on Indian military installations and civilian areas on May 8 and 9, raising national security alarms.
Metro Security in Question as Foreign Contractor Gets Sensitive Access
The contract covers digital ticketing systems, metro cards, and automated door controls. With this setup, the Turkish firm would gain access to sensitive data such as passenger movement patterns, entry/exit logs, and digital controls of the metro’s core operations.
Critics argue this poses a potential national security threat, particularly since the parent company is directly involved in defense exports to a hostile neighboring country. Several opposition leaders have demanded the immediate cancellation of the contract and the use of indigenous alternatives, many of which are already deployed in metros like Delhi.
According to Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) findings, domestic firms have successfully implemented similar digital infrastructure in other metro systems across India. This raises serious concerns over the rationale behind awarding the contract to a foreign company with a controversial track record.
Also Read: Dharavi Park Row: Adani’s Land Grab Sparks Outrage.
Political Fallout Hits BJP-Led Government Ahead of Metro Launch
Following public and political backlash, Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya announced an official investigation. “If it is the same Turkish company linked to drone supplies to Pakistan, the contract will be cancelled immediately,” he stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to virtually inaugurate the Indore Metro’s commercial run on May 31. However, given the growing scrutiny over the contract, there is speculation that the event may be postponed to avoid further controversy. The Bhopal Metro project, meanwhile, is nearing completion.
Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) has confirmed that the digital systems for both metro lines are at advanced installation stages. If the contract is revoked, it could lead to significant delays in the operational timeline of these metro projects.
Opposition
A Turkish firm linked to supplying drones used by Pakistan in attacks on India has been awarded the digital ticketing contract for Indore and Bhopal Metro projects. The revelation has sparked national security concerns and political backlash. An investigation is underway, with potential cancellation of the contract.
