Elattuvalapil Sreedharan, popularly known as the “Metro Man of India”, is the visionary engineer who transformed urban transportation across the country. Born on 12 June 1932 in Palakkad, Kerala, he played a key role in landmark projects such as the Pamban Bridge restoration, Kolkata Metro, Konkan Railway, and most famously, the Delhi Metro.
Major Contributions
- Pamban Bridge (1964): Restored in just 46 days after cyclone damage.
- Kolkata Metro (1970s): Contributed as Deputy Chief Engineer in India’s first metro project.
- Konkan Railway (1990s): A 760 km engineering marvel with 93 tunnels and 150 bridges.
- Delhi Metro (1995–2012): Built into a world-class, punctual, and affordable transit system.
Even after retirement, Sreedharan guided metro projects in Kochi, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Dhaka.
Awards & Recognition
- Padma Shri (2001)
- Padma Vibhushan (2008)
- Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (2005) – France
- Named among Asia’s Heroes by Time magazine in 2003
Legacy
Through discipline, integrity, and vision, E. Sreedharan set new benchmarks in infrastructure and became a symbol of excellence in engineering and governance. His contributions continue to inspire future generations, earning him the enduring title of “Metro Man of India.”
