Sreedharan resigns after Delhi Metro mishap kills 5

A rescue operation is seen in progress after a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation flyover collapsed in New Delhi July 12, 2009.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The chief of Delhi's metro rail system resigned on Sunday after a section of an overhead bridge under construction gave way and crushed five workers to death.

"I have been in charge of the project right from the beginning. I feel for this accident I have to take full moral responsibility," Elattuvalapil Sreedharan said in a press conference broadcast live on television.

Officials said five people were killed and fifteen injured in the accident on Sunday morning.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, led by the 77-year-old Sreedharan, has enjoyed strong government support so far and is not shackled by the delays, cost-overruns and red tape that have plagued big projects in India for decades.

Sreedharan's reputation, access to officials including the prime minister, and a mandate to jump obstacles himself rather than wait for civic authorities, have enabled him to get results.

The subway's first phase opened in 2005 within a budget of $2.3 billion and nearly three years ahead of schedule.

The second phase, which will cost $4.5 billion and boasts a high-speed airport link beneath the capital's clogged and at times chaotic roads, is on track for when the city of 16 million hosts the 2010 Commonwealth Games.