Light Metro: move to sideline DMRC

The move to show the door to the DMRC and its Principal Adviser E. Sreedharan and give the consultancy of Light Metro (LM) to a multinational consultancy firm has become evident with the appraisal report on the DPR by the Finance Department.

The observations, wordings, and ‘hybrid’ concept mooted in the 10-page report, which has “approval” of the Finance Minister, are with a view to tarnishing the image of Mr. Sreedharan and the DMRC and ease them out of the project, say proponents of the MRTS. The Finance Department does not have the expertise to scrutinise the DPR for 35.12 km in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.

The department seems to have relied on Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (KMRL), which is eyeing the LM consultancy for retaining the 100-odd staff once Kochi Metro rolls off, says a transport planner.

The Planning Board had asked the Finance Department to “look at the figures and confirm that funds will be available to meet the repayment requirements and equity shares of the projects.” But, the report, available with

The Hindu , shows the department has overstepped its brief and given a lop-sided review to oust the DMRC. The report is more on the technical aspects in comparison with Kochi Metro.The Finance Department has made a mockery of things by stating that the LM route in the capital clashes with the RRTS proposed along the rail line to Chengannur. It has asked the PWD to decide whether Light Metro is needed in Thiruvananthapurm. “The use of term LM itself seems to be a misnomer,” it says on the choice of technology. On financial viability, it says it is difficult to comment based on the data and projections.

The observation that the KMCL and the KMRL should undertake such projects and that the DMRC was engaging retired officials have raised suspicion. A multinational consultancy firm, having backing of officials in the KMCL, has already evinced interest in LM consultancy.

Finance Department’s appraisal report tilts the scale in favour of MNC consultancy