Malappuram: Defying age and convention, legendary “Metro Man” E. Sreedharan on Monday reiterated his resolve to realise the proposed high-speed rail project for Kerala, inaugurating the project’s official office at Ponnani in Malappuram district, close to his current residence.
The inauguration was marked by a simple yet meaningful ceremony, with Sreedharan’s wife lighting the traditional lamp, symbolising the deeply personal commitment behind the ambitious initiative.
At 93, Sreedharan said he remains firmly committed to continuing his work as a professional master builder, staying true to the calling that has shaped his life and delivered some of India’s most iconic infrastructure projects.
Addressing the gathering, he said the absence of any reference to the project in the Union Budget would not weaken his determination. He expressed confidence that approval from the Railway Ministry would eventually be secured, emphasising that projects of this magnitude demand patience, perseverance and clarity of vision.
In its initial phase, the newly opened office will serve as a public interface to address questions, doubts and concerns related to the project. From February 15 onwards, a series of public meetings will be organised to explain the technical, financial and social dimensions of the proposed high-speed rail corridor.
The outreach programme will begin in Malappuram district and will later be extended to other districts along the proposed alignment.
Sreedharan also said that his meeting with the Union Railway Minister on January 16 was encouraging. According to him, the Minister has directed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) be prepared, and an official order authorising the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to carry out the task is expected within the next three to four days.
He added that he remains in regular contact with the Railway Ministry regarding follow-up procedures.
For E. Sreedharan, age is not an obstacle but a reminder of the urgency to continue contributing meaningfully to nation-building, even in his nineties.
With inputs from IANS