Archive · 9 Dec 2025
Coimbatore Metro Proposal Rejected Over Low Trip Lengths
The Indian government has rejected the plans for new metro systems in Coimbatore and Madurai.
They said the cities don't have enough people or long enough trips to make the metro useful.
Instead, they suggested using buses and a special bus system called BRTS.
The metro plans were very expensive, with Coimbatore's project costing ₹10,700 crore and Madurai's costing ₹11,300 crore.
The government thinks these cities would be better served by cheaper and more practical transport options.
The Centre rejected the Coimbatore and Madurai metro project proposals due to low average trip lengths and population.
The projected ridership for Coimbatore Metro was 5.9 lakh per day, higher than Chennai Metro's actual ridership of 4 lakh per day.
The government suggested considering Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) as a more cost-effective alternative.
The combined Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for both cities were submitted in 2024.
The proposed metro projects were estimated to cost ₹10,700 crore for Coimbatore and ₹11,300 crore for Madurai.
- Who
- Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu
- What
- Rejection of Coimbatore and Madurai Metro project proposals
- When
- December 9, 2025
- Where
- Coimbatore and Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Why
- Low average trip lengths and population, suggesting alternative transport systems
- Cities Involved
- Coimbatore and Madurai
- Reason for Rejection
- Low average trip lengths and population
- Projected Ridership
- 5.9 lakh per day for Coimbatore Metro
- Actual Ridership
- 4 lakh per day for Chennai Metro Phase 1
- Alternative Suggested
- Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS)
- Cost of Madurai Project
- ₹11,300 crore
- Cost of Coimbatore Project
- ₹10,700 crore
- Year of Proposal
- 2024