Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has placed metro projects for Coimbatore and Madurai at the forefront among tier-two cities in Tamil Nadu, while temporarily sidelining plans for Tiruchy and Salem. According to a senior official, CMRL has submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for both cities to the Union government. These proposals are now under review by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Department of Economic Affairs. Following technical approval from the Public Investment Board (PIB), the projects will be presented to the Union Cabinet for final clearance.
The Coimbatore Metro, estimated at Rs 107.4 billion, will span 39 km with two lines and 32 stations, covering key locations like Coimbatore Junction, Gandhipuram Bus Stand, and Coimbatore Airport. The Madurai Metro, with a projected cost of Rs 113.68 billion, will feature 17 stations along a 25-km route, connecting major hubs like Madurai Junction and Thirumangalam.
Meanwhile, the interstate metro line from Hosur to Bommasandra, a collaborative effort with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC), is also progressing. The 23-km line, set to be the first of its kind in South India, will have 12 stations and a detailed feasibility report (DFR) nearing completion.
Plans for the 38-km Salem Metro and 45-km Tiruchy Metro remain uncertain, with both projects currently on hold. Additionally, a feasibility study for the Tirunelveli Metro has concluded that it is not viable at this time.
