Kochi: E. Sreedharan, who is credited with timely rolling out of the country’s first Metro in Delhi, on Tuesday observed the problems faced in Kochi Metro are not technology-related but the delay in project implementation due to factors like land acquisition hurdles that threatens to affect viability. “No metro project is profitable and at best they can be made financially viable,” Mr Sreedharan said during an interactive session held at Sacred Heart College, Thevara, held as part of the Chavara ‘Excellence for Social Transformation’ lecture series.
“Though the target was to set up 25-km metro rail in the first phase, we could open only 18 km of lane up to Maharajas (by June). This means upon operation there will be a fall in expected ridership with people in areas like Vytilla and Pettah missing out the service initially.” However, he clarified that the 13-km long Aluva-Palarivattom will be commissioned by March end.
The ‘Metroman’ pointed out that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) did its best in executing the project at the minimum cost possible. “We saved Rs 400 crore towards construction expense –thanks to reasonable rates quoted by contractors, sound design, swift decision making and efficient execution,” he said. Recalling that challenges he faced while heading DMRC were technology-related, he said he felt more comfortable in Delhi Metro.
