Centre Returns DPRs for Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Projects Citing Insufficient Population

The Centre has returned the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for proposed Metro Rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, citing that both cities do not meet the required population threshold of 2 million, according to the 2011 Census, government sources said.

Coimbatore’s population stood at 15.84 lakh in 2011, while the Metro Rail Policy 2017 allows only cities with populations of two million or more to plan for mass transit systems, including metro rail.

The Centre has recommended that the Tamil Nadu government explore alternative urban transport solutions, such as bus systems and Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS), which are considered more suitable for cities with smaller populations.