Karmayogi: A Biography of E. Sreedharan

by M.S. Ashokan

The world standard for tardiness being 3 minutes, DMRC considered 60 seconds was reason enough to record the train’s arrival as late. Another value it cherished was integrity. As far as DMRC was concerned, being honest was not enough, the lofty ideals and transparency must shine through one’s daily routines. A short glance at the overall work undertaken by DMRC would reveal that it had made transactions ranging in crores of rupees. Just the third phase pulled in Rs 42,000 crore. Not even a single allegation of corruption or a shred of suspicion had been alleged against DMRC. Almost all individuals and organizations associated with the Commonwealth Games had faced allegations of large-scale corruption. No one spoke against DMRC even in passing. The only reason for that was our policy of adhering to the ideals which we held on to for dear life.’