The recent decision of an arbitral tribunal, which ruled in favour of Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. four years after the latter’s controversial pullout from Delhi Metro’s Airport Express Line, hasn’t impressed former DMRC managing director E. Sreedharan who described the ruling as “unjustified”.
As per the order issued by the three-member tribunal, DMRC has to pay ₹2,782.33 crore to Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Limited (DAMEPL), a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra).
‘Wrong decision’
Talking to a group of reporters on Thursday at his office in Kochi where he is working as a Principal Adviser to DMRC, assisting it with the construction of the Kochi Metro Rail, he said the way the private partner went about with the project from the beginning was atrocious.
He added that during his last days as DMRC MD (he stepped down in December 2011), he had understood that the project would face problems because of the delays and the handling by Reliance.
“The (tribunal’s) decision is totally wrong. I have great grievance against Reliance for the way they handled the project, delayed it and then ran away midway. That company got the award. They could never achieve the speed they were required to. Should a company be allowed to run away and then benefit like this," Mr. Sreedharan asked.
He clarified that he is speaking in his personal capacity and not as the Principal Advisor to DMRC.
Case in High Court
After Rinfra pulled out of the project in 2013, the three-member tribunal was set up for an “out-of-court settlement”. The recent order is being challenged by DMRC in the Delhi High Court.
Mr. Sreedharan expressed hope that the corporation will get a favourable result. “DMRC has taken the issue to court and I have no doubt it will win the case,” he said. The 22.7-km line connects the New Delhi Railway Station with Dwarka via the Airport.
When asked about the DMRC's own delays in meeting the deadlines of Phase III or the increasing number of snags reported in recent times, Mr. Sreedharan refused to comment saying that he does not interfere in the functioning of DMRC since stepping down.
No Presidential ambition
On reports about him being a presidential candidate in the past two elections, Mr. Sreedharan said there wasn't an iota of truth in those reports as he was never approached for the top post.
When asked about popular support for him to be made the President, Mr. Sreedharan said it was a media speculation.
“Even if I was approached, I would have declined as I would be 90 by the time I complete the term,” he said, citing his advanced age. Mr. Sreedharan turned 85 last month.