Central Government Returns Tamil Nadu's Metro Rail Proposals
The Union government has formally rejected Tamil Nadu's proposal for establishing metro rail systems in Coimbatore and Madurai, citing that both cities fall short of the population requirements specified in the Metro Rail Policy of 2017. This decision represents a significant setback for the state's urban infrastructure development plans.
Population Criteria Becomes Major Hurdle
In an official communication dated November 14, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs returned the detailed project reports (DPRs) for both cities. The ministry pointed out that according to the 2011 census, Coimbatore's population stands at 15.84 lakh while Madurai records less than 15 lakh residents.
These numbers fall considerably below the two million threshold mandated under Clause D(ii)(a) of the 2017 Metro Rail Policy for initiating metro system planning. The ministry emphasized that "metro projects are cost-intensive and should be planned carefully for long-term sustainability" in their official correspondence.
Activists Question Inconsistent Approvals
Transportation activist Dayanand Krishnan has raised serious concerns about the apparent inconsistency in the central government's approval process. He highlighted that several cities with comparable population levels have received metro project approvals, including:
- Agra with 15.5 lakh population
- Patna with 16.8 lakh population
- Bhopal with 17 lakh population
Krishnan further noted that the equity and subordinated debt component for both Tamil Nadu projects combined was approximately ₹3,000 crore, translating to an annual requirement of only about ₹750 crore from the Union government.
Alternative Solutions and State Response
The Union ministry has recommended alternative transportation solutions such as upgraded bus networks and Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS). The ministry specifically recorded that Madurai's comprehensive mobility plan, which had received state approval, identifies present travel demand as adequate for BRTS rather than a metro system.
Despite the setback, officials from Chennai Metro Rail Limited clarified that the communication does not constitute a final rejection and will not terminate the process entirely. Revised submissions with additional documentation are being prepared following discussions with the state government.
Urban planner R Naveen from Coimbatore expressed disappointment, noting that the return of proposals after 15 years of pursuit represents a major setback. He emphasized that relying on 2011 census data overlooks Coimbatore's significantly higher present population, which likely exceeds three million residents.
Tamil Nadu had submitted the comprehensive mobility plan and alternative analysis report, essential for project analysis, for both Coimbatore and Madurai metro systems in December 2024.
