Metro Man Sreedharan Alleges Political Interference in Kerala Rail Projects
Veteran technocrat and BJP leader E Sreedharan, popularly known as the "Metro Man," has reignited discussions around a proposed high-speed rail corridor in Kerala, accusing the state's Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of obstructing progress for political gains. In a recent interview, Sreedharan asserted that the BJP-led central government is prepared to advance the Rs 1 lakh crore project, but its announcement was deliberately deferred due to the state's budgetary allocation for a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
Centre's Silence and State's RRTS Announcement
Sreedharan explained that the Union government withheld the high-speed rail announcement in the recent budget to avoid a clash with Kerala's RRTS proposal. "If the state government had not announced RRTS, the high-speed corridor would have figured in the Union Budget," he stated. He labeled the RRTS as a "political stunt" and emphasized that Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has given full support for the high-speed project, instructing him to proceed with the detailed project report (DPR).
Historical Tensions with the LDF Government
Reflecting on past collaborations, Sreedharan highlighted his work with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on projects like the Kochi Metro. However, he claimed that after the LDF government came to power in 2016, his involvement was curtailed. "This government did not want DMRC to do further works. They had taken the position that DMRC is unnecessary," he said, suggesting that financial motives drove this decision. He alleged that sidelining DMRC allowed the ruling party to benefit from contract awards, unlike the transparent processes in earlier projects.
Proposal Revival and Current Roadmap
Last month, Sreedharan revived his 2023-24 proposal for a high-speed rail corridor linking northern and southern Kerala. He has since opened an office in Ponnani, Malappuram, to spearhead the initiative. The DPR is expected to be completed within six months, focusing on alignment and elevation studies. Sreedharan stressed that state government support is essential, as a notification from Kerala is required for the project to move forward. He remains optimistic, noting that the project can proceed as a Railways initiative even if political hurdles arise.
Criticism of RRTS and Political Motivations
Sreedharan dismissed the RRTS project as "a foolish idea", questioning its feasibility and approval process. He argued that only the Railways Ministry has the authority to sanction such a large-scale project, not the Urban Development Ministry. On his political affiliation, he expressed no regrets for joining the BJP, stating it aligns with his goal of serving the people. "During the Congress regime, I could do a lot of things. But this (Left) government shunted me out from the projects much before I had joined BJP," he remarked.
Future Engagement and Public Outreach
Instead of convening all-party meetings, Sreedharan plans to engage directly with the public, particularly those affected by the project. He aims to address concerns through transparent dialogue and thorough study of local issues. At 93, his motivation remains strong, driven by a desire to contribute to Kerala's infrastructure development despite political challenges.
