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Tamil Nadu's Metro Battle: Why Stalin Seeks Modi Meeting Amid Project Denial

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has expressed strong disappointment over the Union government's refusal to approve metro rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai. He's willing to personally meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to present detailed clarifications about the projects. Stalin argues that the Centre's decision reflects a "discriminatory" attitude towards Tamil Nadu's development needs. He emphasizes that both cities urgently require modern urban mobility solutions given their rapid economic and population growth.

Key Points: CM Stalin Ready to Meet PM Modi for Coimbatore Madurai Metro

  • Stalin calls Centre's metro project rejection irrelevant and unjustified
  • Questions selective application of population criteria for Tamil Nadu
  • Cites 2011 Census showing Coimbatore already met 20-lakh benchmark
  • Assures land availability won't be obstacle for both metro projects
2 min read

Ready to meet PM Modi to explain Coimbatore, Madurai metro projects: CM Stalin

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin offers to personally meet PM Modi after Centre rejects Coimbatore and Madurai metro projects, calling the decision "discriminatory and unjustified."

"Invoking this criterion only for Tamil Nadu clearly shows a discriminatory approach - CM M.K. Stalin"

Chennai, Nov 22

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has expressed strong disappointment over the Union government's refusal to approve Metro Rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai, stating that he is willing to personally meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to present detailed clarifications.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, CM Stalin said the reasons cited by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for returning the concept notes of the two metro projects were "irrelevant and unjustified".

He argued that the Centre's decision reflected a "discriminatory" attitude towards Tamil Nadu's development needs.

CM Stalin pointed out that, as per the 2017 Metro Rail Policy criteria, the Coimbatore Local Planning Area had already crossed the 20-lakh population benchmark in the 2011 Census itself.

He added that Madurai's projected population for the coming years would also exceed the required threshold. Therefore, he said, the Centre's claim that these cities do not meet the demographic norms for metro eligibility was "incorrect".

The Chief Minister also questioned the "selective application" of population criteria. If the 20-lakh benchmark were applied uniformly, he said, metro rail projects in several other Tier-2 cities - such as Agra, Indore and Patna - would not have been approved by the Union government.

"Invoking this criterion only for Tamil Nadu clearly shows a discriminatory approach," CM Stalin wrote.

He further assured the Prime Minister that land availability would not pose any obstacle for the execution of the metro projects in either Coimbatore or Madurai.

He said officials had already been instructed to prepare and submit comprehensive clarifications to address all concerns raised by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.

CM Stalin urged the Prime Minister to direct the concerned department to reconsider its decision to return the concept notes.

He emphasised that both cities urgently require modern, sustainable urban mobility solutions, given their rapid economic and population growth.

The Chief Minister concluded by saying he was ready to meet the Prime Minister in person in New Delhi, if necessary, to explain the merits, feasibility and long-term benefits of the Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Rail projects.

He stressed that denying crucial infrastructure to fast-growing Tamil Nadu cities would adversely impact their development trajectory, and reiterated his government's commitment to moving forward with the metro proposals in the interest of the people.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The population criteria argument makes complete sense. If Agra and Indore can get metros, why not Coimbatore and Madurai? This does seem like selective treatment. Hope PM Modi gives this a fair hearing.
S
Sarah B
While infrastructure development is important, I hope both governments can work together constructively. Political differences shouldn't come in the way of development projects that benefit common people.
K
Karthik V
Madurai is a major pilgrimage and tourist center. Metro connectivity would boost tourism and local economy significantly. The Centre should reconsider this decision for the development of Tamil Nadu.
A
Arjun K
Good to see CM Stalin taking a proactive approach. Instead of political blame games, he's ready to meet personally and present facts. This is how development-focused leadership should work. 👍
M
Michael C
While I support infrastructure development, I hope the financial viability of these projects is properly assessed. Metro systems are expensive to build and maintain. Both state and centre should ensure proper cost-benefit analysis.
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Nisha Z
As a Chennai metro user, I can vouch for how transformative this system has been. Coimbatore and Madurai deserve the same modern transport infrastructure. Hope the meeting happens soon and yields positive results! 🚇

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