CMRL Submits Clarifications for Madurai and Coimbatore Metro Projects to Centre

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has submitted clarifications requested by the Centre on the detailed project report (DPR) for the Madurai and Coimbatore metro rail projects. According to CMRL Director (Projects) T. Archunan, the process for these projects is now progressing at a faster pace.

The Tamil Nadu government combined the metro rail plans for Madurai and Coimbatore into a single initiative, with the updated DPR resubmitted to the Centre three weeks ago. The Centre had earlier sought clarifications on the DPR submitted last year, which CMRL has now addressed, providing detailed documents.

The proposed Madurai metro rail, covering a distance of 31.9 km from Tirumangalam to Othakadai, is estimated to cost ₹11,300 crore. The Coimbatore project, spanning 34.5 km, is expected to cost ₹10,700 crore. The Madurai metro involves higher costs despite its shorter length, as it includes a 5-km underground stretch.

Archunan noted that both cities qualify for metro rail systems based on projected peak-hour traffic demand. Projections suggest that 11,000 to 15,000 people per hour will travel in a single direction in these cities over the next 30 years, justifying the development of the metro systems.

Highlighting the benefits of metro rail, he pointed out the success of Chennai Metro Rail, which has seen a significant rise in passenger numbers. “Chennai Metro, which previously carried only one lakh passengers daily, now serves 3.2 lakh commuters. It saves valuable time for users and curbs the growth of personal vehicle usage,” he explained.

The Madurai and Coimbatore metro rail projects aim to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance sustainable urban transport in Tamil Nadu’s growing cities.