• Source:JND
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Tamil Nadu News: In a major setback to the DMK government, the centre has reportedly rejected the Metro Rail projects' proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai, citing their low population as per the 2011 Census. In its letter to the state government, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs stated that while the population of Coimbatore city is 15.84 lakh, the population of Madurai is 15 lakh. However, the Metro Rail Policy stated that the metro could only be built in the cities with at least 2 million population. The centre has also suggested the state to explore more sustainable options to boost the regional connectivity.

“It may be noted that the Metro projects are cost-intensive and should be planned carefully for long-term sustainability. For these cities, other cost-effective urban transport systems — robust bus system and BRTS — may be better suited,” the letter from the ministry stated, as per The Hindu report. “In view of the above, the DPRs of Coimbatore Metro Rail Project and Madurai Metro Rail Project are returned herewith,” it added.

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Earlier in July 2023, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) submitted the DPR for Coimbatore Metro, stating that the project will significantly boost the regional connectivity. While the DMK government has not issued any statement on the issue yet, the officials informed that a letter was received, reported the Deccan Herald.

Earlier in 2024, the state government had also mounted pressure on centre to approve the second phase of the Chennai metro. The Chief Minister MK Stalin-led DMK government also accused the centre of non-cooperation as "the people did not vote for BJP".

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While expressing disappointment over the latest development, director of Kongu Global Forum (KGF) J Sathish stated that the central government had identified Coimbatore as a potential city for a metro. He also pointed out that the metro services in multiple cities are being utilised by less than 10 lakh people on a daily basis.

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