Title - Ex-KMRL head sought CAG probe into DMRC takeover

Amid reports that a special audit was done at Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) office in 2012 following a letter reportedly sent by the agency’s former managing director Tom Jose to the then Comptroller and Auditor General, questions have been raised as to why the State government did not initiate action against Mr. Jose.

‘ACTION SOUGHT’

Speaking to The Hindu, Minister for Transport Aryadan Mohammed said he had sought action against Mr. Jose when he came to know of the contents of the letter. “I do not know what happened after that,” the Minister said.Meanwhile, sources in the KMRL said there were two statutory audits after August 20, 2012, when the letter was allegedly sent to the CAG. It is not clear whether CAG officials probed the allegations in the letter.The letter reportedly alleged that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was entrusted with the implementation of the Kochi Metro in violation of norms. It also reportedly mentioned that Mr. Jose was removed as MD for his stand on roping in the DMRC.

The MD of KMRL Elias George refused to comment on the issue and said his sole aim was to ensure that the metro was commissioned as per deadline.

Mr. Jose was unavailable for comment.

ANOTHER LETTER

An official letter sent by Mr. Jose, who is now managing director of KSIDC, KMML and KSINC and Principal Secretary, Aviation, in his then position as Principal Secretary (PWD) to Union Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna in September 26, 2012 had created a controversy since he sought a clarification on DMRC’s Principal Advisor E. Sreedharan’s role in Kochi Metro.

He wrote the letter on September 26, after he stepped down as MD of KMRL. This gave rise to the allegation that attempts were being made to prevent the DMRC and experts like Mr. Sreedharan from improving the State’s transportation system.