Metro rail projects: Four new metromen and their challenges

Delhi Metro. That burnished showpiece of railways continues to enjoy pride of place among all its projects. But will new Metro networks being rolled out dent its iconic status? Or won't they?

Six states, 225 km of new rail lines —Metro rail in India is expanding as rapidly as rapid transit systems should.

Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Jaipur are executing metro projects worth more than Rs 50,000 crore. And cities such as Kochi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Indore, Chandigarh and Bhopal are launching theirs.

But to measure up, do others have an Elattuvalapil Sreedharan, who has set high standards in engineering, financial discipline and in meeting several deadlines at Delhi Metro?

Experts say manpower shortage at the top and middle rungs has become a challenge for these new projects. To make matters worse, Indian Railways has refused to send its high-performing engineers on deputation to Metro projects.

As a result, state governments launching Metro rail projects are increasingly falling back on IAS officers to manage their start-up phases. In fact, a Metro head of any of these new projects could end up as an animal husbandry secretary in the next few years.

ET on Sunday takes a look at four new "Metromen" and their challenges in executing multi-billion-rupee Metro rail projects.

NVS REDDY, x MD, Hyderabad Metro

At Hand: Building a 71 km-long line in 5 years

Bio: Not an engineer, but an accounts officer with Indian Railways, had experience in urban transport planning, financial management and PPPs, served as additional commissioner, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation

Total Project Cost: Rs 14,132 cr

To be built on public-private partnership mode; 90% funding by L&T; balance (10%) is contributed by Andhra Pradesh government and Centre; concession for 35 years, extendable by 25 years

Key Challenges: To implement the elevated Metro amid congested roads

Integration of other modes of transport, pedestrian and non-motorised transport

Quote: "It is also a redesign opportunity to transform Hyderabad into a people-friendly green city."


K RAJARAMAN, MD, Chennai Metro

At Hand: Building 45.1 km of Metro under phase-I by 2014-15

Bio: B Tech in electronics and MBA; joined IAS in 1989, served as TN industry secy, served as commissioner, town and country planning

Total Project Cost: Rs 14,600 Cr

The central and state governments to contribute about 41%. The balance will be arranged from a loan granted by Japanese agency JICA. Another 9 km with a cost of Rs 2,845 crore is in pipeline.

Key Challenges:

Managing traffic during the built-up phase

Ensuring special pedestrian access in a few stations

Quote: "We have plans to integrate Metro rail with proposed monorail network."
(From a media interaction)

N SIVASAILAM, MD, Bangalore Metro

At Hand: Building 42.3 km of Metro rail including underground section of 8.82 km

Bio: A mechanical engineer and an MBA before joining IAS, drafted Central Vigilance Ordinance & Bill, 1998

Total Project Cost: Rs 11,609 cr

42% increase from original estimate, central government to bear 23% of cost, state government 33% and the rest will be loan, Rs 4,905-crore loan to be raised from Japanese agency JICA and financial institutions

Key Challenges: Have been at loggerheads with railways on issues like station designs and land

Completing the project by December 2013 with the same cost estimated at 2009 prices

Creating a champion team and keeping it motivated during highs and lows of the project is a challenge

KULDEEP RANKA, MD, Jaipur Metro

At Hand: To build a 9.25 km-long Metro at stage-I by July 2013

Bio: BTech in computer science; joined IAS in 1994; MD, Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation

Total Project Cost: Rs 2,034 cr

Rajasthan government is the sole owner; but the Centre is expected to pick up equity soon; Rs 700 crore will be borrowed

Key Challenges:

Delivering the project in record two-and-half years

Doling out compensation for land because of demand for more

Quote: "In rolling out the project, we are trying our best to keep Jaipur's heritage intact."