DMRC versus KMRL

                                                       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

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Abraham Mangalath Philip IRSE (Retd)