Premium
This is an archive article published on October 27, 2012
Premium

Opinion Waiting for Sreedharan to be Metro man

Kerala that has tied the idea of the 25-km-line to the reputation and credibility of Sreedharan

Shaju Philip

October 27, 2012 01:56 AM IST First published on: Oct 27, 2012 at 01:56 AM IST

In its insistence that E Sreedharan lead the Kochi Metro project,the Kerala government shouldn’t lose sight of the larger goal of providing the city a cost-effective mode of transport.

Whenever the role of the former Delhi Metro head in the project has become a matter of debate,the Congress government has assured that the Kochi Metro would be executed by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) under his leadership. The latest round of reassurance came after ex-Kochi metro managing director Tom Jose sought clarifications from DMRC regarding Sreedharan’s role.

Advertisement

With reports from Delhi indicating DMRC will only play a limited role in Kochi,Kerala that has tied the idea of the 25-km-line to the reputation and credibility of Sreedharan as adviser could find itself in a bind.

Such is the situation that any distancing of DMRC from the project is seen in the state as victimisation of its former head. Even the idea of a global tender for the project had to be dropped following charges that it was being done to keep DMRC and Sreedharan away.

Last week,the state Cabinet decided to seek exemption if the Central Vigilance Commission found fault with DMRC acting as both consultant and implementing agency on the project.

Advertisement

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy rushed off a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently asking him to urge DMRC to take up the project,saying: “We have full faith in DMRC and Sreedharan. Even before the project got Central nod,Kerala decided for DMRC.”

The insistence on Sreedharan may be driven by the public faith in his efficiency and the belief that he will keep corruption at bay. However,at a time when it has been 45 days since the foundation stone for the Kochi Metro was laid,and no ideas have yet emerged on even how much land would be needed,the city at least doesn’t need such a controversy. Perhaps Kerala would also do well to remember that it’s been some time now that Sreedharan retired from DMRC.

Shaju is a senior correspondent based in Thiruvananthapuram

shajuphilip@expressindia.com