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What happened
On November 14, 2025, the Union government rejected Metro Rail project proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai, stating that both cities fall short of the 2-million population requirement set by the Metro Rail Policy of 2017. According to the 2011 census, Coimbatore has a population of 1.58 million and Madurai has 1.5 million. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs emphasized the need for careful planning of cost-intensive Metro projects and suggested that alternative urban transport systems, such as a robust bus system and BRTS, may be more suitable. Local officials expressed disappointment, noting that the actual population could be higher than census figures. The rejection has sparked calls for reconsideration from local leaders, who argue that similar cities have successfully implemented Metro systems.
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Key insights
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1
Population Requirement
Metro Rail projects require a minimum population of 2 million.
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2
Alternative Transport Suggested
BRTS and bus systems are recommended for Coimbatore and Madurai.
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3
Local Disappointment
Officials express concern over the impact on public transport development.
Takeaways
The rejection of the Metro Rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai highlights the challenges faced in urban transport planning, particularly regarding population thresholds. Local leaders are advocating for a reassessment of the decision, emphasizing the need for improved public transport options.