Title - Kochi Metro project could have been implemented without DMRC

Allegedly at loggerheads with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Principal adviser of Kochi Metro project chief E Sreedharan, outgoing Managing Director Tom Jose today said it could have been implemented without DMRC.There were differences of opinion with DMRC in technical matters, Jose, outgoing Kochi Metro Rail Ltd MD, said. The Bangalore metro project had been implemented without DMRC, he told reporters here."No single individual can do this project alone. So teams from different organisations must collaborate and coordinate to execute the project," Jose, an IAS officer, who was removed from the post and appointed PWD secretary, said reading out from a prepared text. "Professionalism does not mean following the opinion of any individual, groups or organization blindly. It means decision-making after careful considerations of all available data and models," he said. As per legal and administrative framework provided, KMRL is the implementing agency for Kochi Metro project. This was clearly spelt out in the orders issued by State Government and Union Government of June 18,2011 and July 12,2012,he said."So ultimately KMRL is called to account for every decision on the metro project, regardless of choice of consultants, contractors and advisors.Thus KMRL cannot abdicate its responsibility. Hence it is imperative that it has the authority to go along with its accountability," he said.Kerala government had two days ago given additional charge of Kochi Metro to Elias George, who is currently the Power secretary and KSEB Chairman.Jose, who got central clearance for the project in record 10 months, said he was aware that some positions that he took were not 'palatable' to a few."Speaking up for these principles was a calculated risk, which I was prepared to take. I have always known that when you take on powerful people and interests, you must be prepared to get hurt," he said.The first phase of the Rs 5181 crore project is a MRTS running on elevated light rail,covering 25.612 km long Aluva-Petta corridor which will have 22 stations.