The Union government has returned the detailed project reports (DPRs) for the proposed metro rail systems in Coimbatore and Madurai, citing that both cities fall short of the minimum population requirement under the Metro Rail Policy, 2017 for the establishment of metro system. Tamil Nadu submitted the comprehensive mobility plans and alternative analysis reports for the Coimbatore and Madurai metro projects in December 2024.
On 14 November, during a communication with the state government the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs returned the DPRs for both the projects stating that Coimbatore’s population, as per the 2011 Census, stands at 15.84 lakh, while Madurai’s is less than 15 lakh. The population of Coimbatore & Madurai are below the two million which is required under Clause D(ii)(a) of the 2017 policy to initiate metro planning. The communication from the Union ministry emphasized that metro projects are capital-intensive and must be planned carefully to ensure long-term sustainability.
However, Transportation activist Dayanand Krishnan questioned the decision, pointing out that cities such as Agra (15.5 lakh), Patna (16.8 lakh), and Bhopal (17 lakh), with similar population sizes have already received metro approvals. He added that the combined equity and subordinated debt component for the Coimbatore and Madurai projects amounts to about Rs 3,000 crore, requiring an annual central contribution of roughly Rs 750 crore, a relatively modest amount compared to other major infrastructure projects.
Transportation activist Dayanand Krishnan said “The Union govt has sanctioned larger projects elsewhere, including a high-speed rail system (bullet train) costing around Rs1 lakh crore, and rejecting the Tamil Nadu proposals on grounds of cost and population would deny transport benefits to a sizable commuter base,” as reported by Times of India.
Officials from Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) indicated that the correspondence should not be seen as a final rejection. They confirmed that revised versions of the DPRs would be prepared and resubmitted after consultations with the state government and central agencies.
The Union ministry, however, suggested that both cities should focus on cost-effective alternatives like modernized bus systems and the implementation of bus rapid transit systems (BRTS). The communication also noted that Madurai’s comprehensive mobility plan, approved by the state, indicates that current travel demand would be adequately served by a BRTS rather than a metro.
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