Archive · 26 Jul 2026
Centre Rejects Madurai, Coimbatore Metro Rail Proposals Again
The Union government has rejected the metro rail projects for Madurai and Coimbatore for the second time.
The reasons given include the cities not meeting the population benchmark and the projects not being cost-effective.
The Tamil Nadu government had proposed these projects to expand metro connectivity beyond Chennai, but the Union government suggested improving bus-based public transport instead.
The proposals were first rejected in November 2022 and again in July 2023.
The Union government rejected metro rail proposals for Madurai and Coimbatore for the second time.
Reasons include inadequate population and low projected ridership.
The Tamil Nadu government proposed projects worth Rs 11,360 crore for Madurai and Rs 10,740 crore for Coimbatore.
The Union government suggested strengthening bus-based public transport as a more cost-effective alternative.
The proposals were first rejected in November 2022 and again in July 2023.
- Who
- Union government and Tamil Nadu government
- What
- Rejection of metro rail proposals for Madurai and Coimbatore
- When
- Second rejection on July 22, 2023
- Where
- Madurai and Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Why
- Inadequate population, low projected ridership, and limited travel-time savings
Tamil Nadu Government
Union Government
Need for Metro Rail
Tamil Nadu Government
The Tamil Nadu government believes metro rail systems are necessary for expanding connectivity beyond Chennai and supporting the growing population in Madurai and Coimbatore.
Union Government
The Union government argues that the population and projected ridership do not justify the need for metro rail systems in these cities.
Population Basis for Assessment
Tamil Nadu Government
The Tamil Nadu government relies on projected population estimates for 2022 to justify the metro projects.
Union Government
The Union government insists that the 2011 Census figures should be the basis for assessment, as the current populations are below the prescribed benchmark.
Cost-Effectiveness
Tamil Nadu Government
The Tamil Nadu government proposes significant investments in metro projects to enhance public transport infrastructure.
Union Government
The Union government suggests strengthening bus-based public transport as a more cost-effective alternative.
- Proposed Metro Projects
- Madurai: Rs 11,360 crore, 31.93 km network; Coimbatore: Rs 10,740 crore, 39 km elevated corridor
- Population Benchmark
- 2 million as per Metro Rail Policy, 2017
- Current Population
- Madurai and Coimbatore: around 15 lakh each
- Rejection Dates
- First rejection: November 2022; Second rejection: July 2023
- Ministry Involved
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
- Alternative Suggested
- Strengthening bus-based public transport