Dr. E Sreedharan : The Metro Man of India

Who Is The Metro Man Of India ?

Ellattuvalapil Sreedharan ( born 12 June 1932 )  is an Indian Engineer who changed the face of public transport in India. Under his leadership, the challenging Konkan Railway was built. He is known as the ‘Metro Man’ of India for overseeing the successful development of the Delhi Metro, which remains the template for all metro train systems built in India.

Early Life and Education

Dr. E. Sreedharan was born on June 12, 1932, in Karukaputhur, Kerala.

Dr. Shreedharan’s Primary Education was from Government Lower Primary School Chathannur near Pattambi in Palakkad district.

He did his Higher Secondary education from the Basel Evangelical Mission Higher Secondary School in Palakkad district of Kerela and then went to study in Victoria College in Palghar.

He completed his civil engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Kakinada (now part of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Andhra Pradesh).

Career Highlights

Konkan Railway Project

One of his most remarkable achievements was leading the Konkan Railway project. The 760 km railway line along India’s western coast had over 150 bridges was completed in just seven years, despite extremely challenging terrain. It was the first major project in India to be undertaken on a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) basis.

konkanrailway.com

Delhi Metro

Appointed as the Managing Director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in 1995, Dr. Sreedharan turned the Delhi Metro dream into a global success story. He completed the first phase of the Delhi Metro ahead of schedule and within budget. Delhi Metro became the template for all other metro systems built in India like Lucknow Metro, Kochi Metro and has inspired cities like Jaipur, and Hyderabad to embrace metro rail networks.

delhimetrorail.com

Dr. E. Sreedharan’s contributions go far beyond metro tracks and tunnels. He’s played a critical role in shaping modern infrastructure in India. His work has inspired cities like Kochi, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Hyderabad to embrace metro rail networks. Even after retirement, he remains an advisor and thought leader in national development conversations.

Awards and Recognitions

• Padma Shri (2001)

• Padma Vibhushan (2008)

• Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur (France, 2005)

• Named among the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine in 2003.

These honors reflect his outstanding service to India and the world in the field of engineering and public transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why is Dr. E. Sreedharan called the Metro Man of India?
Dr. E. Sreedharan is called the Metro man of India because of his pioneering role in building the Konkan Railway, Delhi Metro and his influence on urban transport projects across India.

Q2. What are the major awards received by Dr. Sreedharan?
Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan, and the French Legion of Honour, among others.

Q3. What is Dr. Sreedharan’s contribution to the Indian Railways?
He played a key role in projects like the Konkan Railway and the Pamban Bridge restoration.

Dr. E. Sreedharan, the Metro Man of India, has shown how vision, dedication, and ethical leadership can transform a nation. His journey is a source of inspiration for engineers, administrators, and all who dream of building a better India.

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Namaste Yatri: The Fascinating World of Indian Railways

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