Representational image. File
| Photo Credit: K . Pichumani
The Union government has rejected the Metro Rail project proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai citing the two cities lack the mandated two million population according to the 2011 census.
In a communication dated November 14, 2025, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said the population of Coimbatore city is 15.84 lakhs and that of Madurai city is 15 lakhs according to the 2011 census. The Metro Rail Policy 2017 states that the population of the city should be two million or more to plan a Metro Rail project.
As per the comprehensive mobility plan that is approved by the State government, Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is suitable for Madurai. “It may be noted that the Metro projects are cost intensive and should be planned carefully for long term sustainability. For these cities other cost-effective urban transport systems – robust bus system and BRTS may be better suited,” the communication said. “In view of the above, DPRs of Coimbatore Metro Rail Project and Madurai Metro Rail Project are returned herewith,” it concluded.
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited submitted the Detailed Project Report for Coimbatore Metro Rail in July 2023.
‘Deeply disappointing’
J. Sathish, director of Kongu Global Forum, said 65 lakh people are said to use the Metro Rail every day in New Delhi, 10 lakh in Bengaluru, and three lakh in Chennai. The Union government identified Coimbatore as one of the cities suitable for Metro Rail project in 2010. “Now, it has been rejected after 15 years. It is deeply disappointing and disheartening,” he said. He went on to add that census was not conducted after 2011 and the voter population of Coimbatore district is three million. So, the actual population is expected to be at least four million, Mr. Sathish stated.
The Metro Rail is operational in other tier-two cities including Jaipur, Kochi, Nagpur, which are similar to Coimbatore. “We will be pushed back by 10 years in public transportation. The Prime Minister should reconsider the decision, and the Centre should give its approval,” he said.
State can clarify on population: BJP MLA
Coimbatore’s DMK MP Ganapathi P. Rajkumar said the Central government has approved the Metro project for Bhopal and Patna. It has rejected for Coimbatore and Madurai on purpose, and it is a betrayal to the people of Coimbatore, he charged.
Coimbatore South MLA from the BJP, Vanathi Srinivasan, said the Tamil Nadu government can represent to the Centre again clarifying the population details.
Published – November 18, 2025 06:01 pm IST
