The Union government has rejected the Metro Rail project proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai citing the two cities lack the mandated 2 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 lakh and that of Madurai city is 15 lakh according to the 2011 census. The Metro Rail Policy 2017 states that the population of the city should be 2 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 c

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