Is Sreedharan responsible for the tragedy?

Delhi Metro Chief Sreedharan, who took moral responsibility for the collapse of a Metro overbridge, is known for his integrity , capability, and 'no-nonsense business-like' approach. Is he really responsible for this tragic mishap?

CJ: YaYaavar

Mon, Jul 13, 2009 10:31:35 IST

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Delhi Metro News :

DELHI METRO Chief E Sreedharan, who decided to take moral responsibility for the collapse of a Metro overbridge which resulted in the deaths of five labourers and injuries to several others, is known for his integrity, capability, and 'no-nonsense, business-like' approach.

Eminent technocrat Elattuvalapil Sreedharan, has become synonymous with the modern rapid transit system that helped ease transportation woes in the national capital. The soft-spoken, 77-year-old 'Metro Man' is credited with completion of several Delhi Metro projects, within the allocated budget and ahead of schedule – a performance which was recognised by the government which awarded him the country's second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan.

The Delhi Metro is credited with revolutionising the transit system in the capital, making travel easier and faster. Sreedharan received credit for building a world-class railway system spread across the capital which could be completed in time for the Commonwealth Games next year.

However, a series of mishaps at Metro construction sites over the last two years, brought up questions about whether tight deadlines and the pressure to complete pending projects ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2010, were leading to compromises in safety standards. Is Sreedharan really responsible for this tragic mishap?

It is the mindset of careless Indian technocrats who set aside all safety norms and their wreckless attitude towards poor labour, which is responsible for this tragedy. We Indians never give much of a thought to safety norms even while walking on roads or driving; we expect others to observe necessary caution.

Similarly, execution of projects such as the Delhi Metro has been scheduled for completion within a very tight schedule, apparently on account of bureaucratic delays in approval for these projects.

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