Not hurt by exclusion from dais, but won't be there for second phase of Kochi Metro: Sreedharan

E Sreedharan, who is known as India's 'metro man' has said that he was not hurt by the decision of Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to exclude him from the dais of Kochi Metro inaugural ceremony. "I don't have any complaints, he said.

Sreedharan, a top advisor to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, played a lead role in Kochi Metro project. Though Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) had included him in the proposed list of persons to be present on the dais during the inauguration, PM's office removed him from the final list. 

Sreedharan said that he does not feel insulted and will attend an inaugural function on Saturday. "I will certainly be there. I don't feel any heaviness. There is no need to raise a controversy. Prime Minister's security is important, and authorities are acting according to instructions from security agencies," he said. 

The Metroman responded to the incident while he was visiting Palarivattom station to conduct the final inspection. He also said that neither he nor KMRC would be there for the second phase of metro from Kaloor to Kakkanad. KMRL is capable of finishing the second phase, he said. 

The Prime Minister's office had excluded the name of Sreedharan and Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala from the list of dignitaries who will share the dais. 
Meanwhile, Chief Minister requested PMO to include Sreedharan and Chennithala in the list. 
 

• Kochi Metro
• E Sreedharan
• Metro inauguration