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Tamil Nadu Pushes for Metro Projects in Coimbatore, Madurai After Centre's Rejection

Tamil Nadu has renewed its push for metro rail systems in Coimbatore and Madurai, preparing to resubmit revised project reports to the Union Ministry. The Centre had earlier rejected the proposals, citing inadequate projected ridership and non-compliance with the 2017 Metro Rail Policy. Officials state the revised submissions include detailed data to address concerns about demand and feasibility in the expanding cities. The state government remains firm that metros are crucial for the long-term mobility needs of both industrial hubs.

Key Points: TN Seeks Centre's Reconsideration for Coimbatore, Madurai Metros

  • State resubmits revised proposals
  • Centre cited ridership and policy concerns
  • Projects questioned on feasibility and cost
  • TN argues metros vital for future growth
3 min read

TN renews push for metro projects in Coimbatore, Madurai; seeks Centre's reconsideration

Tamil Nadu resubmits revised metro rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai to the Centre, addressing ridership and feasibility concerns.

"We have now provided detailed data to demonstrate why metro rail is essential for their long-term mobility needs. - K. Gopal"

Chennai, Jan 12

Tamil Nadu has stepped up its efforts to secure approval for proposed metro rail systems in Coimbatore and Madurai, following a renewed appeal by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the Centre's earlier rejection of the two projects.

Senior state officials said the government is preparing to resubmit its case with additional data to address concerns raised by the Centre.

After the Chief Minister's intervention, the state has revised its justification for both metro proposals and routed the updated documents through the state government. These will soon be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for fresh consideration, according to K. Gopal, Secretary for Special Projects, and M.A. Siddique, Managing Director of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).

Officials said the Centre's primary objection was the perceived inadequacy of projected ridership in both cities. "The assessment was that demand does not justify metro rail systems," Gopal said. "However, Coimbatore and Madurai are rapidly expanding industrial cities with growing populations and economic activity. We have now provided detailed data to demonstrate why metro rail is essential for their long-term mobility needs."

The renewed outreach comes after the Union ministry returned Tamil Nadu's detailed project reports (DPRs), citing non-compliance with the 2017 Metro Rail Policy. In its earlier communication, the ministry had argued that the proposals overstated ridership, understated engineering challenges, and did not meet population thresholds required for metro projects under a 50:50 equity-sharing model with the Centre.

For Coimbatore, the ministry questioned projections of around 5.9 lakh daily passengers on a proposed 34-km metro network, noting that this figure exceeded ridership recorded on Chennai Metro's 55-km Phase I corridor as recently as February 2025. It also pointed to relatively short average trip lengths of 6-8 km and road traffic speeds comparable to the proposed metro, suggesting limited scope for a major modal shift. The appraisal further highlighted narrow road widths of 7-12 metres along key corridors, raising concerns about the feasibility of elevated viaducts and wide stations without extensive demolitions.

A similar evaluation was made for Madurai, where the Union ministry said the city's comprehensive mobility plan favoured a bus rapid transit system over a metro. With Madurai also falling below the prescribed population threshold, the Centre argued that lower-cost, scalable alternatives such as bus network expansion would offer better value.

Despite these reservations, the Tamil Nadu government remains firm that metro systems are crucial for meeting future transport demands in both cities and hopes the revised submissions will prompt a favourable review.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the need for development, the Centre's concerns seem valid. If the roads are only 7-12 metres wide, building an elevated metro will cause huge disruption. Maybe a robust bus system, as suggested for Madurai, is a more practical and less invasive first step. Let's not repeat the construction chaos of other cities.
P
Priyanka N
As someone from Coimbatore, the traffic during peak hours is a nightmare. Autos and buses are packed. A metro is not a luxury, it's a necessity. The state govt is right to push for it. Hope the revised data convinces the officials in Delhi. Our city deserves this investment. 🙏
R
Rahul R
Good to see the TN government is persistent. But they must also be transparent. Why were the initial DPRs rejected? Were the projections really that inflated? Public money is involved. We need efficient projects, not just prestige projects. A balanced approach is key.
M
Meera T
Infrastructure should be built before a city chokes, not after. Look at the success of the Chennai Metro. It has decongested roads significantly. Madurai is a major pilgrimage and tourist centre. Improving connectivity will boost the local economy. The Centre should reconsider with an open mind.
K
Karthik V
The 50:50 funding model is a big hurdle. Maybe the state should explore other financing options or start with a smaller pilot corridor to prove ridership? Endless back-and-forth between state and centre just delays development. Jai Tamil Nadu! We need solutions, not just debates.

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