In a development with significant implications for Tamil Nadu’s urban mobility strategy, the Union government has rejected the Metro Rail project proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in an official communication dated November 14, 2025, stated that the two cities do not meet the mandatory population criterion of 2 million, as defined by the 2011 Census of India, which remains the operative dataset for evaluating metro eligibility.

This decision has sparked discussions within planning circles, state authorities, and urban transport experts, especially given the rapid expansion and densification these cities have undergone in the last decade. Both Coimbatore and Madurai have been pushing for metro connectivity to tackle congestion, expand transit capacity, and support long-term economic growth. However, with the central rejection, the future of large-scale rapid transit projects in these cities becomes uncertain.

Background: Metro Rail Eligibility Criteria

The Government of India stipulates a set of baseline conditions for approving Metro Rail projects under the Metro Rail Policy framework. One of the most critical parameters is the minimum population requirement of 2 million for greenfield metro projects. The rationale behind this requirement revolves around:

• Ensuring adequate ridership levels

• Guaranteeing financial viability and cost recovery

• Optimizing the long-term operational sustainability of metro systems

Although the 2021 census would typically have updated population figures, the nationwide census was delayed, making the 2011 census the legally valid base for infrastructural planning norms.

Population Shortfall in Coimbatore and Madurai

According to the 2011 Census:

• Coimbatore Urban Agglomeration had a population slightly below the 2 million benchmark.

• Madurai Urban Agglomeration also recorded a figure under the required threshold.

Despite substantial population growth since then—estimated through independent demographic studies and state projections—the Union government continues to rely strictly on the published 2011 census for statutory approvals. As a result, the proposals submitted by the Tamil Nadu government failed to satisfy the prerequisite.

The MoHUA communication reaffirmed that no exceptions can be made until updated census data is officially recognized.

Details of the MoHUA Communication

On November 14, 2025, the Ministry issued a formal letter to the Tamil Nadu government outlining the grounds for the rejection. Key points included:

• The population requirement is mandatory, not advisory.

• Approval cannot be based on estimated or projected population figures.

• Metro projects for cities below the threshold do not meet central funding and policy criteria.

• The cities may pursue alternative mass rapid transit solutions more aligned with their demographic classification.

The communication also indicated that once new census figures become available, states are free to resubmit proposals if the cities cross the threshold.

Implications for Tamil Nadu’s Urban Transport Planning

Tamil Nadu has actively pursued metro development in multiple cities as part of its long-term urban infrastructure roadmap. The rejection of proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai creates several implications:

1. Delayed Mass Transit Modernization

Both cities suffer from:

• Rising vehicle density

• Expanding urban sprawl

• Congestion on arterial roads

• Increasing air pollution

Metro systems were viewed as long-term solutions to these persistent issues.

2. Need to Explore Alternatives

MoHUA has previously encouraged cities with populations under 2 million to adopt:

• MetroLite systems

• MetroNeo systems

• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

• Enhanced city bus networks

• Integrated mobility hubs

These modes are cost-effective, scalable, and better suited to mid-sized cities.

3. Financial and Planning Re-Adjustments

The Tamil Nadu government may now recalibrate its investment strategy by:

• Reworking detailed project reports (DPRs)

• Exploring state-funded models

• Evaluating PPP frameworks

• Prioritizing transit corridors with high ridership potential

The rejection may also influence budget allocations for the upcoming financial year.

Stakeholder Reactions

Though official reactions from the Tamil Nadu government are awaited, urban transport analysts and local associations have expressed mixed views.

Urban Transport Experts

Many experts acknowledge that while Coimbatore and Madurai have grown significantly since 2011, approval must follow national guidelines. Some suggest:

• Fast-tracking the next census is essential

• Cities should not remain dependent on outdated data

• Interim criteria may be needed for rapidly growing urban areas

Local Residents and Industry Bodies

Both cities are major economic hubs:

• Coimbatore is a major textile and engineering center

• Madurai is a cultural and educational hub with strong tourism

Industry groups argue that metro rail would have supported:

• Industrial growth

• Job creation

• Improved urban connectivity

• Higher productivity due to reduced travel time

The rejection is seen as a setback but not the end of the road for transit development.

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