The Kerala High Court on Friday, 25th April 2025, directed the State Government to promptly address the review petition filed by Dr. E. Sreedharan, famously known as the 'Metro Man', within 14 days. Dr. Sreedharan raised concerns over the construction of the Thiruvanaya–Thavanur bridge across the Bharathapuzha river.
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Dr. Sreedharan, the renowned engineer behind major projects like the Konkan Railway and Delhi Metro, had earlier moved the High Court. He argued that the Government’s bridge alignment would split the Holy Trinity Temples — the Vishnu Temple at Thiruvanaya on the north bank and the Brahma and Shiva temples at Thavanur on the south bank. According to him, the construction would severely impact the religious sanctity of these sacred sites and deeply hurt Hindu devotees' sentiments.
"The petitioner submitted that preserving the religious sanctity of the Holy Trinity Temples is paramount and proposed an alternative realignment."
In an earlier instance, the Public Works Department (PWD) reviewed his suggestion but rejected it. The PWD acknowledged that while Dr. Sreedharan’s plan was technically sound, its implementation could delay the bridge’s completion and cause financial loss. Consequently, they chose not to proceed with his proposal.
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However, Dr. Sreedharan filed a review petition, asserting that his alignment plan was more cost-effective and could be incorporated within the existing contract period without additional financial burden. He expressed concern that construction, especially at the south end, was progressing hastily, potentially leaving him without any remedy if the review petition wasn't addressed in time.
The writ petition came up before a division bench of Justice G. Girish and Justice P. V. Balakrishnan on 25th April 2025.
The Court observed, "Having regard to the submissions advanced, it is appropriate to direct the 1st respondent to consider and take a decision on Ext.P14, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of fourteen days from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment."
Thus, the Court disposed of the writ petition, ensuring Dr. Sreedharan’s concerns receive prompt consideration from the State authorities.
Counsel for the Petitioners: Advocates Sajith Kumar V., Vivek A. V., Ammu M., Arun S., Ajin Dev S. S.,
Counsel for the Respondents: Advocates T. K. Vipin Das (GP), Resmitha R. Chandran (SC), S. Chandrasekharan Nair (SC)
Case No: WP(PIL) 30 of 2025
Case Title: Dr. E. Sreedharan v State of Kerala and Others
