Who is Known as the Metro Man of India?

The title “Metro Man of India” is given to an exceptional individual who brought revolutionary changes to urban transportation in the country. Through visionary leadership and innovative work, this person transformed how people commute in major cities, making public transport efficient, reliable and modern, positively impacting millions of lives across India. In this article, we will know about the person who is known as the “Metro Man of India.”

Metro Man of India

Elattuvalapil Sreedharan, widely known as the “Metro Man of India,” is a renowned engineer and politician from Kerala. Born on 12 June 1932, Sreedharan transformed public transportation in India through his remarkable leadership in projects like the Konkan Railway and the Delhi Metro. His work has earned him national and international recognition.

Early Life and Education of E. Sreedharan

E. Sreedharan was born in Palakkad, Kerala, to a Hindu Malayali family. He studied at the Government Lower Primary School in Chattannur and later at the Basel Evangelical Mission High School. After completing college at Victoria College in Palakkad, he pursued a Civil Engineering degree from the Government Engineering College, Kahinada (now Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University).

Contributions to Indian Railways

• Pamban Bridge: In 1964, when a cyclone destroyed parts of the Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu, Sreedharan restored it in just 46 days, earning widespread recognition.
• Kolkata Metro: As the deputy chief engineer, Sreedharan played a major role in designing and implementing India’s first metro system, the Kolkata Metro, in 1970s.
• Konkan Railway: Sreedharan led the Konkan Railway Project, which stretched 760 kilometers and included 93 tunnels and 150 bridges. Completed within budget and on time, this project remains one of India’s greatest engineering achievements.

Delhi Metro Revolution

Sreedharan served as the Managing Director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation from 1995 to 2012. Under his leadership, the Delhi Metro became an efficient, modern and affordable transportation system. His ability to keep the project free from political interference and finish it on time made him a national icon.

Role in Other Metro Projects

After retiring, Sreedharan advised and contributed to metro projects in cities like Kochi, Lucknow, Jaipur and Dhaka. Each project reflected his dedication to efficient public transportation.

Awards and Recognition to E. Sreedharan

Sreedharan received numerous awards, including:

• Padma Shri (2001)
• Padma Vibhushan (2008)
• Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur (2005) by the French Government

Time magazine named him one of Asia’s Heroes in 2003, recognizing his contributions to infrastructure development.

Political Career

In 2021, Sreedharan joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and contested elections in Kerala. However, he retired from active politics in December 2021.

Legacy of the “Metro Man”

E. Sreedharan’s work has set a benchmark for infrastructure projects in India. His dedication, discipline and vision have transformed urban transportation and inspired future engineers.

Sreedharan remains a symbol of excellence in engineering and public service, earning his rightful place as the “Metro Man of India.”