October 07, 2008

IIT Madras invited to take part in Chennai Metro project

Dr E Sreedharan MD of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said that IIT Madras should look at collaborating with the government on the Chennai Metro Rail project.

Recalling his experience with educational institutes like IIT Delhi, which did not wish to work on the Delhi Metro Rail project on mutually acceptable terms, Dr Sreedharan said institutes should not miss out on such a learning opportunity.

He added that "The Metro is not a simple project. We need civil engineers, instrumentation engineers, those who know geophysics and ground water table management, air conditioning technology experts to design the ventilation of tunnels. It is a learning opportunity that may not come again."

He encouraged students to pursue a career in their field of undergraduate studies and not switch lines or decide to leave the country for good. He added that "The nation has invested so much of resources in your training as engineers. Do not throw it to the winds. Have pride in serving your profession."