The Union government has rejects Madurai Metro Proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai. It said that neither city met the population requirement under the national Metro Rail Policy 2017.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs reported that Coimbatore’s population was 15.84 lakh and Madurai’s was 15 lakh, based on the 2011 Census. The Metro Rail Policy 2017 requires any city planning a Metro system to have a population of at least 20 lakh. It ensures enough riders, financial stability, and long-term operation.
Madurai Metro Proposals dismiss
The Ministry noted that Metro projects are costly and should focus on long-term sustainability. It suggested that a strong bus system and Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is better suited for cities of this size.
For Madurai, the State-approved Comprehensive Mobility Plan already identified a BRTS as the best option for high-capacity corridors.
Ministry hold the metro projects for now
“In light of this, the DPRs of the Coimbatore Metro Rail Project and the Madurai Metro Proposals returned,” the communication said. This puts a hold, at least for now, on the State’s aim to expand Metro connectivity beyond Chennai.
The Detailed Project Report for the Coimbatore Metro Rail sent by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) in July 2023. It proposed two priority corridors to help reduce congestion in the rapidly growing textile and industrial hub.
While the State might update its plans, officials understand that any new Metro proposal will require updated census figures and a reassessment of mobility needs once new demographic data is available.
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