‘Pace at which metros are introduced in the country is deplorably low’

KOCHI: A board in his Kochi office reads: “Whatever to be done I do. But in reality I do not do anything.” The lines from Yoga Vasistha Ramanaya is dear to his heart. Metro Man E Sreedharan has revolutionised the way urban people commute. He has become a household name now and speculations are rife that he’s in the race for the first citizen’s slot, which he refuses to discuss. As his latest venture, Kochi Metro, is all set to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, E Sreedharan spoke to Ramesh Babu of the HT about the challenges before the country and his future plans. Excerpts: You helped change the concept of urban mass transport in the country. What are real challenges before the country in this sector? The real challenge before the country is to reduce personal vehicles and promote public transport system, particularly in cities. Unfortunately, sufficient attention is not being paid for improving the public transport system. Metro rail is best suited to our cities where population is more than two lakh. The pace at which metros are being introduced in our cities are deplorably low. Your name is doing the rounds for the President‘s post. Did anyone contact you in this regard? It seems to be the wish of some people. I can’t comment

on this. You were behind many metro projects. What was the most challenging project? I consider the underground line of Mumbai - airport to Colaba - was the most challenging. What future you visualise for the country? Is it on right track? No doubt the country is on the right track. speed.But we While need the to progressgather on the economic front is visible, we need to transform our nation with good ethics and values. Konkan Railways to Kochi Metro — you were in the limelight for more than five decades. Did you see any change in the work culture? I don’t find any perceptible change. If at all, there is deterioration, except in the private sector. India boasts of one of the largest rail network in the world. But what is ailing it? Ours is the fourth largest network in the world. It is the lifeline of the nation but technologically we are far behind the rest of the world. The work culture in the railways has to change a lot. It is often said in Kerala, controversy is part of your life. Did you face any while working? Fortunately the project has gone through smoothly. We completed the first phase in record time. It was good team work. I won't be there for the second phase of Kochi Metro. KMRL (Kerala Metro Rail Limited) is now competent enough to chug on. It is not time for any controversies.