'Sreedharan will continue serving Delhi Metro'

Even after his retirement, DMRC chief E Sreedharan will be associated with the corporation as an advisor, say top government officialsEven after his retirement, current Delhi Metro chief E Sreedharan is likely to remain with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in the role of an advisor. At the helm: E Sreedharan. File PicsEven though he would retire in December, in some way he would remain associated with the DMRC. His expertise and feedback is needed for smooth functioning of future projects, a top Delhi government official told MiD-DAY. Au00a0Metro crosses from Noida during a trial run. File PicsThe government is in the process of finding his successor as his third extension as Delhi Metro chief comes to an end on 31 December, 2011. The process has to be completed before his tenure ends. Search for chief A panel, wherein Delhi chief secretary P K Tripathi, E Sreedharan and Union Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna are members, is scrutinising the names of DMRC top job aspirants. Around 20 people have applied for the post of DMRC MD and the panel is currently screening the applications, said sources.The government had advertised for the post in July, seeking applications from suitable candidates. A DMRC official said two of the serving directors have also applied for the post. However, he did not reveal the names.u00a0 Earlier this year, 78-year-old Sreedharan had written to chief minister Sheila Dikshit requesting her to start the process of selecting his successor well ahead of his retirement in December so that the new appointee had time to understand the organisation and its functioning. Sreedharan, in his letter, had requested Dikshit to select an experienced professional to manage the organisation as its operation was growing gradually and that the annual turnover had already touched Rs 12,000 crore. Indian Railways on public image cleaning spreeIndian Railways has recently set up a committee to suggest ways to improve safety of passengers. The move is aimed at deflecting bad publicity that the public transporter has earned because of recurring accidents. Among others, Delhi Metro chief E Sreedharan has been included in the committee. The panel would examine signalling systems, rolling stock of all types, fixed structures (tracks and bridges) and human resource development with special emphasis on training, education and research based on the accidents in the recent past.