Karmayogi: A Biography of E. Sreedharan

by M.S. Ashokan

While diligently adhering to the protocols of official life, Sreedharan unleashed his biting criticism of wayward bureaucracy, whenever opportunity called for it. He openly said that those who could not make useful decisions were a negative influence on the nation’s progress, and that they were not really interested in doing anything to begin with. His comment—‘the sole intent here seemed to be to block anyone who wanted to do something worthwhile’—was directed at those who argued against the Delhi Metro project during its nascent stages. His warning that it would cost taxpayers Rs 1.4 crore for every day of delay hit the spot. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers who had made disapproving noises bore the brunt of Sreedharan’s onslaught. He argued that it was too technical and complex a project for IAS officers to be able to micromanage it on the strength of their administrative skills alone.