I don’t think Delhiites are scared, says Sheila Dikshit

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, under pressure lately due to the Delhi Metro mishaps at construction sites, talks to Anuradha Mukherjee on how this might impact regular Metro travellers, the role of DMRC Chief E Sreedharan and lots more.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, under pressure lately due to the Delhi Metro mishaps, spoke to Hindustan Times on Monday. Excerpts:

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What action have you taken pertaining to the accidents at the Zamrudpur Metro rail site?
Metro has initiated a probe. We will have to wait till the report is submitted. We can’t blame anyone as long as we don’t have a substantial reason.

Is the government looking at taking any action against Delhi Metro or the contractors for negligence?
DMRC is an autonomous organisation. Any action that is taken will be taken by the DMRC. They only have to send us a letter and seek clearance.

There were reports that the contractor working on the stretch was blacklisted.
I am not aware of this. All these things will be revealed after the probe.

Do you feel DMRC is under pressure to finish certain lines by 2010 and is faltering because of that?
There is no pressure from us. In fact, the DMRC has been finishing projects 3-4 months in advance on its own.

What do you want to say to Delhiites who might now be scared to use the Metro?
It’s just one incident. I don’t think Delhiites are scared, because I saw many come out and say on television that DMRC chief E Sreedharan was the best.