KMRC- VS- KMRL
Dr. E.Sreedhran, one of the topmost Engineering wizards
after the great Engineer Statesman Sri Visweswaraiyya, has a long stretch of
successful commissioning of many important Railway projects including
restoration works of damaged railway bridges and tracks during his tenure as an
Engineer of the IRSE cadre till he retired as the Member Engineering Railway
Board in June 1990.
I have had the
privilege to work as a subordinate officer under him, and my association with
him during the past 50 years proved to be a blessing for me to learn and apply
the Engineering skill in the appropriate and right manner according to the site
conditions of different projects in the construction department of the Indian
Railways. The correct planning and timely execution with proper “ Ground to
map” and “Map to Ground” application of engineering techniques were the “main
stay” for the success of all the projects he undertook as an eminent Engineer.
The greatest land marks or standing monuments highlighting his contributions to
the Nation, are the Konkan Railway Projects and the DMRC.
Even after retirement from regular service, his Engineering
mind worked in synchronization with the demands of the public for better
transport system to provide better conditions of Rail and road traffic. His
principle was “Late Start & Early Finish”. This policy he maintained
throughout with “Clockwise Precision”. It was a pleasure to work under his
leadership. His timely decision created confidence in the minds of the people
on the field engaged in risky and critical operations in different stages of
phase works. The Karbude Tunnel ( 7 KM long) and the Aroor Railway Bridges are
monuments of his expertise and Engineering Skill. Dr. E. Sreedharan is an
officer of exceptional administrative and managerial skill with malice to none.
The recent happenings in the Cochin metro Project have given
rise to a feeling that “Something is rotten in the State of Denmark” as the
Poet puts it! Instead of pulling the rope in the same direction to complete the
great TASK before us, we are harping on controversial matters of denouncing
dedicated and committed Engineers. The reported comments written in his letter
by Mr. Tom Jose IAS is unbecoming for an officer of his calibre. How could a
renowned Engineer Dr. Sreedharan was treated in this manner?
Dr.Sreedharn by
virtue of his dedication to public oriented projects took initiative in this
Metro Rail construction. There is no “Axe to grind “in his efforts to see that
the projects move on progressively to the targeted completion. The time overrun
will cause financial loss to the State in geometrical progression. Therefore
Dr. Sreedharan was taking extra precautionary measures to see that the project
kicks off as early as possible. But if this enthusiasm is misinterpreted as ill
conceived and commented upon by an IAS officer, then what else can be done
except saying in the words of Dr. JOHNSON “IGNORANCE MADAM PUR IGNORANCE”.
Unless we all jointly put our shoulders together without any
Party feelings or Bureaucratic egoism, we may suffer heavy loss to the state
Exchequer. Also the congested traffic in the city will miserably affect the
normal life of the people of Cochin and the public in general. Synchronized thinking and working in
resonance with people at different levels of operation is the prime requisite
for an early completion of this Dream project of the people of KERALA
.
Abraham Mangalath Philip IRSE (Retd)
