Delhi govt awaits probe panel report on metro mishap

New Delhi, Jul 13 (PTI) Even as E Sreedharan has been
asked to continue as the head of Delhi Metro, Chief Minister
Sheila Dikshit on Monday said action in the south Delhi's
Jamrudpur mishap will be taken after the probe panel submits
its report.

"He (Sreedharan) has agreed to continue (as Metro
managing director). We had requested him to continue," Dikshit
told reporters here after the Cabinet meeting.

She said the entire issue was discussed threadbare with
the Cabinet colleagues and report is being awaited in the
matter.

Soon after the incident in which six persons were killed
and 15 injured, the Delhi Metro had constituted a four-member
panel to inquire into the reason behind the collapse of the
half-constructed bridge. The panel will submit its report
within ten days.

"The Cabinet discussed the entire incident and now we are
waiting for the report after which appropriate action will be
taken," the Chief Minister said.

On being asked if the government would set up a separate
probe panel, she said, "there is no need for a separate
committee. DMRC is a responsible body. We don't interfere in
their work. The panel constitutes of well-known experts."

"Let them submit the report then we will see," she added.
Regarding today's mishap at the site where at least six
persons were injured during clearing operation, Dikshit said
"it was a technical fault."

Dikshit had on Sunday night rejected Sreedharan's
decision to quit from Delhi Metro "as the transport system and
the country needed him."

"We respect his sentiments. But we also know that the
Delhi Metro and the country need him. Not only he did good
work for Delhi but also for the country," she had said.

Highly placed sources said the government rejected his
resignation as it viewed that his continuation was necessary
for successful completion of projects related to Delhi Metro
ahead of the Commonwealth Games next year. PTI