+
BMC Cancels Tender Over Turkish Rescue Robots
ECONOMY & POLICY

BMC Cancels Tender Over Turkish Rescue Robots

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cancelled a Rs 6.4 million tender for robotic water rescue devices following political opposition over the vendor sourcing the products from Turkey. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of Ankara’s alleged support for Pakistan during recent border tensions with India.
The tender, issued in September 2023, aimed to procure six remote-controlled rescue robots for the Mumbai Fire Brigade, intended for deployment across six high-risk beaches—Girgaon, Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa, and Gorai—particularly to aid lifeguards during the monsoon season.
Each robotic buoy, branded as ‘Maren Fasty’ by Turkish company Maren Robotics, had a carrying capacity of 200 kilograms and a top speed of 18 kmph. The devices were to be supplied by an Indian vendor importing them from Turkey.
However, objections were raised by political leaders including BJP’s Bhalchandra Shirsat, SP’s Rais Shaikh, and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sachin Padwal, who cited national security concerns due to Turkey’s alleged military ties with Pakistan. This prompted BMC to reassess the order.
A senior BMC official confirmed that the Letter of Approval (LoA) had not been issued and that the civic body has the authority to cancel the tender in light of the evolving geopolitical scenario. The official added that the tender would be reissued with a preference for domestically manufactured rescue equipment, which is also expected to be more cost-effective over time.
Reports indicate that similar rescue robots have already been acquired by other civic agencies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
BJP’s Shirsat welcomed the cancellation, stressing the importance of prioritising Indian innovation in critical sectors like public safety and security infrastructure.
The backlash against Turkish imports reflects a broader public sentiment, with calls to boycott Turkish goods and tourism rising after Ankara was accused of siding with Islamabad during the diplomatic standoff with New Delhi.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cancelled a Rs 6.4 million tender for robotic water rescue devices following political opposition over the vendor sourcing the products from Turkey. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of Ankara’s alleged support for Pakistan during recent border tensions with India.The tender, issued in September 2023, aimed to procure six remote-controlled rescue robots for the Mumbai Fire Brigade, intended for deployment across six high-risk beaches—Girgaon, Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa, and Gorai—particularly to aid lifeguards during the monsoon season.Each robotic buoy, branded as ‘Maren Fasty’ by Turkish company Maren Robotics, had a carrying capacity of 200 kilograms and a top speed of 18 kmph. The devices were to be supplied by an Indian vendor importing them from Turkey.However, objections were raised by political leaders including BJP’s Bhalchandra Shirsat, SP’s Rais Shaikh, and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sachin Padwal, who cited national security concerns due to Turkey’s alleged military ties with Pakistan. This prompted BMC to reassess the order.A senior BMC official confirmed that the Letter of Approval (LoA) had not been issued and that the civic body has the authority to cancel the tender in light of the evolving geopolitical scenario. The official added that the tender would be reissued with a preference for domestically manufactured rescue equipment, which is also expected to be more cost-effective over time.Reports indicate that similar rescue robots have already been acquired by other civic agencies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).BJP’s Shirsat welcomed the cancellation, stressing the importance of prioritising Indian innovation in critical sectors like public safety and security infrastructure.The backlash against Turkish imports reflects a broader public sentiment, with calls to boycott Turkish goods and tourism rising after Ankara was accused of siding with Islamabad during the diplomatic standoff with New Delhi.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Holds Seminar on Vigilance, Integrity and Good Governance

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity."" The seminar was graced by Suresh N Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.  The programme was attended by G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Dire..

Next Story
Equipment

XCMG Unveils World's First 14,000-Ton Ring Crane for Heavy Lifting

XCMG has announced that the first main unit of the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd., the crane will be the largest-capacity ring crane ever built, setting a new benchmark for major construction projects worldwide.The crane features a modular configuration comprising two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations. Once both..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Thriveni Logistics orders 200 tip trailers from Jagdamba trailers

Jagdamba Trailers (JTPL), one of India’s growing trailer manufacturers, has secured a significant order for 200 Tip Trailers from Thriveni Transport and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a leading mining and logistics company serving operations across India and overseas.The order, placed for iron ore transportation, is a major milestone for JTPL, particularly as the company secured the business after competing with more than 10 established trailer manufacturers. It also strengthens an already successful relationship between the two companies. Approximately one and a half years ago, Thriveni Transport and..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code