Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Tamil Nadu advances urban transit plans across five cities
Tamil Nadu is studying better public transport for several cities with growing traffic.
It looked at metro-style systems for Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, Tiruchirappalli and Tirunelveli.
Tirunelveli was found unsuitable for a suitable MRTS.
Salem’s report is still being examined.
Work in Tiruchirappalli has been delayed because Chennai Metro Phase-II already has large financial commitments.
Coimbatore and Madurai’s metro plans were sent back by the central ministry.
The ministry said bus rapid transit could be built in those cities instead.
Tamil Nadu is also seeking approval for more Chennai Metro lines and an extension to Kilambakkam.
Tamil Nadu conducted feasibility studies for mass rapid transit systems in Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, Tiruchirappalli and Tirunelveli.
Tirunelveli did not qualify for a suitable MRTS, while Salem’s feasibility report remains under consideration.
Further action in Tiruchirappalli was deferred because of committed liabilities linked to Chennai Metro Phase-II.
The Centre returned Coimbatore and Madurai metro proposals but said it had no objection to at-grade or elevated bus rapid transit systems.
Tamil Nadu proposed two Chennai Metro Phase-II extensions and a revised Airport–Kilambakkam project, with central approvals pending.
- Who
- The Tamil Nadu government, Chennai Metro Rail Limited and the Government of India are involved.
- What
- The State is advancing, reviewing or revising mass-transit and Chennai Metro expansion proposals.
- When
- The plans were described in a policy note tabled on August 28, 2026.
- Where
- The proposals concern Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli and Chennai-area corridors.
- Why
- The studies and proposals respond to rising traffic congestion and travel demand.
- Cities studied
- Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, Tiruchirappalli and Tirunelveli
- Funding proposal
- Coimbatore and Madurai metro proposals were recommended under a 50:50 equity-sharing arrangement.
- Central response
- The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs returned the Coimbatore and Madurai proposals and raised no objection to at-grade or elevated BRT systems.
- Salem status
- The Detailed Feasibility Report is under consideration.
- Tiruchirappalli status
- Further action was deferred because of substantial committed liabilities associated with Chennai Metro Phase-II.
- Phase-II extensions
- Proposed extensions include Poonamallee Bypass–Sunguvarchatram via Sriperumbudur and Koyambedu–Pattabiram up to the Outer Ring Road via Ambattur and Avadi.
- Airport–Kilambakkam extension
- A revised DPR was approved by the State government and sent to the Centre; approval, funding and external financial assistance are awaited.