Integrity Builds Success: Dr. E Sreedharan

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s Principal Advisor Dr E Sreedharan stated that integrity was the secret of his success.

Delivering the key-note address at a seminar on “ethics In Management - Lessons From The Corporate World” organized by the South Central Railway as part of the observance of the “Vigilance Awareness Week” here on Monday, he said that honesty in his life was duly rewarded and that his work was not affected by any other considerations at any point of time. Popularly known as the Metro Man of India, Sreedharan, informed that the unique organizational work culture developed and followed by his entire team was real reason for the successful and early completion of Konkan Railway Project and Phase I and II of Delhi Metro Projects well before the targeted time period with out escalation of cost.

Punctuality, integrity, professional competence and social responsibility are the four cardinal pillars of this unique work culture that would bring success to any organization in the country, he added.

While talking about the commendable success achieved in his illustrious career, especially in the Konkan Railway and Delhi Metro Railway, Sreedharan explained that decentralization of power, developing a positive attitude among employees, and removal of procedural hurdles which mar quick decision making by managers are the key elements in fostering organizational growth. Minor deviations committed by decision-makers / managers with out any personal motives but with an intention of overall benefit to the organization / society should not be penalized. Such a culture would bring dynamism to the managers. Leaders towards quick decision-making and growth in any organization, he said.

Further, Sreedharan said that each day of delay in major projects causes losses worth crores of rupees to the Nation, and hence he set his own targets for every project he undertook, and completed the same before the target dates. While narrating his experience when working on the Konkan Railway, Shri Sreedharan told that India had received laurels from many countries on the completion of 760 Kms of Konkan Railway with 92 tunnels and 147 major bridges on a difficult terrain on PPP model within a 7-year period. On the highly acclaimed Delhi Metro Railway, Dr. Sreedharan said that 65 Km of the Ist Phase of Delhi Metro was completed before target date and within the estimated cost of Rs.10, 570 Cr. The 124 km / Rs. 26, 000 Cr. work on the Delhi Metro-Phase II was also completed well before the target date. The 143-km-long 3<sup>rd Phase of the Delhi Metro with an estimated budget of Rs. 40,000 Cr. will also be completed in time, since our country has now acquired the necessary skills and confidence to execute Metro projects of any magnitude, he added.

He stressed that while taking up major work like Metro Rail in cities, care should be taken to minimize inconvenience to the citizens. He stated that he is against privatization of Railways as it a huge service organization with large responsibilities that withstood the test of time and has been delivering commendable service at present. Indian Railways requires infusing new vigour and dynamism to meet the present challenges.

Sirdharan also released the Vigilance Bulletin brought out by the Vigilance Organisation on the occasion.

SCR General Manager G N Asthana emphasized the need for developing core values in the organization in order to make it more vibrant and efficient. He said that the ethical deficit would greatly harm any organisation and also would affect the growth of the country. He called upon the railway officials to practice the principles of honesty and efficiency and to harness technology to strengthen the process towards eliminating any scope for malpractices.

SCR Sr Deputy General Manager and Chief Vigilance Officer K Swaminathan welcomed the gathering and also spoke on the occasion.

Railway Employees in Head Quarters, Divisions and Railway Workshops were administered a Pledge against Corruption by their respective Heads of the Departments. (INN)</sup>