2. • The Kochi Metro has again run into rough weather. Ever since it's conceptualization,
controversies have dogged the Metro. Once, the issue was of inviting global tenders.
Then, it veered to the role of Sri.E.Sreedharan. Of late, the very question of whether
DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) would execute the work is debated. One only hopes
that amidst all the controversies, we do not miss the bus. We have been waiting too long.
• The Board of Directors of the DMRC is slated to take a decision on 15.11.2012. While so,
Smt. Sheila Dixit as well as Sri. Kamal Nath has gone on record stating that the DMRC may
take up other work, only if it doesn't affect the functioning of the Metro at Delhi. The
DMRC has proven its competency. But is it the only resort? If DMRC is engaged, amidst all
the controversies, will its priorities be in order? I'm not certain.
• The Delhi Metro is now an acclaimed success. The concept of a mass rapid transit for New
Delhi was mooted as early as in 1969. In 1984, the Delhi Development Authority also
suggested a multi-modal transport system. Nothing took shape till Delhi began to reel
under the disproportionate increase in vehicles, traffic congestion and pollution. It was to
rectify the problem that the Government of India and the Government of Delhi jointly set
up a company called the DMRC on March 5, 1995. The rest is history.
3. • Necessity is the mother of invention. Adversity always throws open, an opportunity. Voltage
fluctuations give birth to a stabilizer. The era of nuclear families cocooned in flats and the
dearth of avenues for entertainment give birth to 'Amusement parks'. So was it with the Delhi
Metro. A company, with hardly any experience, executed a project, within budget and ahead of
schedule; something unheard of in India. And there was a leader, capable of seeing the project
through, from conceptualization to execution - Sri. E. Sreedharan. Recently, I attended the NIPM
annual convention where I was felicitated by his Excellency Sri. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam . In his
speech, the former President referred to 'an outstanding leader hailing from Kerala' over the
past decades. We kept on guessing who it was. When the audience failed to name him, his
Excellency pronounced the name of Sri. Sreedharan and then, a deafening applause emanated
from the audience. It was a proud moment for all of us.
• We have a similar opportunity here. We should really cash in on the fact that the services of Sri.
Sreedharan, a man with impeccable credentials, are available. Why should he be relegated to an
advisory role? Why can't we aim at an infrastructure company floated by the Government of
Kerala with Sri. Sreedharan at its helm ? It could either be the KMRL (Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.) itself
or another company altogether. Why should we belittle our own capabilities and look around ?
The DMRC was also built from scratch. I'm convinced that if it could be done at Delhi, it could be
done at Kochi, as well. We have wonderful examples like the CIAL (Cochin International Airport
Ltd.) right here. The proposed company should be vested with the full responsibility of
executing the project. Who knows, it may even turn out to be a profitable, flagship venture,
capable of executing similar prestigious projects, in the future. But, it requires vision and a
strong will. Mere holding of demonstrations and human chains may not suffice to make the
Metro a reality. We may need to think together and act. What do you think ? What are your
views? I am eager to know.
