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There is some merit in this recounting of how and why the Metro is a failure. It is when Dunu Roy gets to diagnosing the malady that he reveals what can only be described as the ignorance of the arrogant.

What is his diagnosis? Democratic structures are being systematically dismantled! He says accountable urban planners are being replaced by international consultants. But urban planning in much of India was actually institutionalised in a form that was completely removed from the public realm during the emergency. Look at the history of urban development authorities outside Delhi.

Politicians are being replaced by technocrats? Where? We have always had structures that nurtured corrupt politicians and bureaucracy, not democratic structures. Every single project has been subject to all sorts of political negotiation including the rerouting of Metro in Delhi.

There is no question that the Delhi Metro is in a mess. When any bureaucrat in a position of power speaks of world-class cities, and India’s success, they are under no illusion that they are making false claims. But those claims are of value in the global economy where image matters. Roy thinks this is all about “if you have the money, you can flaunt it”. It is hardly so. The reality is you can have some things if you know how to circulate money. And, the sad truth is that in the current chaotic situation, very few people are able to keep money in circulation without tripping over oneself at some point or the other.

The write-up could have been more humble, appeal less to our ignorance and who knows, it may actually make some difference.

Pankaj Saini