Kochi Metro: No explanation received from Tom Jose

KOCHI: The former Kochi Metro MD and Principal Secretary, Tom Jose has not yet responded to the demand for his explanation by the Chief Secretary.

Presently, Tom Jose is at Masur. He is undergoing a training session at IAS Academy there. He will return to Kerala only on November. Since Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar is retiring on October 31, Tom Jose is likely to give explanation to the new Chief Secretary.

Tom Jose had dashed a letter to Central Urban Development Secretary seeking details of the role of "metroman" E Sreedharan in the Kochi metro rail project, proposed to be implemented by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

The letter sent by Jose, allegedly without government's approval, had kicked up a row with opposition parties in the state alleging that this could be a move to keep Sreedharan away from Kochi Metro Rail project.

Jose was shifted from the post of MD of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) two months ago amid allegations that there had been concerted efforts to keep Sreedharan out of the project.