Vijayvargiya Orders Probe Into Turkish Firm Asis Over Security Concern; Indore, Bhopal Metro Contracts At Risk

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Urban Administration and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has ordered a thorough probe into the Turkish company Asis, which has been involved in the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems for Bhopal and Indore Metro stations.

The company is allegedly linked to drone manufacturing, with claims that its drones may have been used against India by Pakistan during recent tension.

Vijayvargiya has made it clear that if the investigation finds any direct or indirect connection between Asis and anti-India elements, or if its products were used against India’s security, the contract will be immediately cancelled. He said, “We will not compromise on national pride, security and self-esteem.”

Sources within the MP Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) said that Asis ElektronicveBilisimSistemleri A.S., a Turkish firm, was awarded the AFC contract for Bhopal and Indore Metro Phase 1 projects in June or July last year. The contract, valued at Rs 186.52 crore, involved installing AFC systems at Indore’s five metro stations and five to six stations in Bhopal.

The remaining equipment for Bhopal Metro is expected to be installed soon.

A senior official from the Metro Rail Corporation said that any decision made at the higher level regarding this issue will be implemented accordingly.