State Prioritizes Metro Projects in Coimbatore, Madurai, Others on Hold

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is fast-tracking metro rail projects in Coimbatore, Madurai, and Chennai. Once the feasibility studies and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are completed, the State Government will submit them to the Union Government for approval, according to an official statement.

However, this prioritization has resulted in delays for other proposed metro projects, including the Salem Metro, Trichy Metro, and Tirunelveli Metro, raising questions about the future of public transport in these cities.

Progress on Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Projects

Coimbatore Metro

• Length: 39 km with 32 stations across two lines.
• Key Areas Covered: Ukkadam Bus Stand, Coimbatore Junction, Gandhipuram Bus Stand, Saravanampatti, and Coimbatore International Airport.

Madurai Metro

• Length: Single line with 17 stations.
• Key Stations: Otthakadai, Madurai High Court, Simmakal, Madurai Junction, and Thirumangalam Metro Station.

These projects are being prioritized due to their potential to alleviate traffic congestion and support economic growth in two of Tamil Nadu’s largest cities.

Salem and Tiruchy Metro Projects Put on Hold

While Salem and Tiruchy were initially included in Tamil Nadu’s metro expansion plans, their projects have been temporarily shelved.

• Salem Metro: Planned to cover 38 km, the project is now awaiting further assessments.
• Trichy Metro: Spanning 45 km, the project has been paused, despite growing demand from residents for improved urban transportation.

Tirunelveli Metro Deemed Infeasible

A feasibility study conducted by CMRL determined that the Tirunelveli Metro project would not be viable due to factors such as population density, expected ridership, and cost implications. This decision has been met with disappointment from residents who hoped for enhanced public transport in the region.

Implications of Prioritization

• Focused Development: Prioritizing Coimbatore, Madurai, and Chennai allows for better allocation of resources to high-impact projects.
• Regional Disparity: Delays in Salem, Tiruchy, and Tirunelveli may exacerbate regional transportation inequalities.
• Future Prospects: Officials have hinted that paused projects may be revisited once current priorities are addressed and funding becomes available.

Conclusion

While the fast-tracking of metro projects in Coimbatore and Madurai is a promising step for Tamil Nadu’s urban infrastructure, the shelving of Salem, Tiruchy, and Tirunelveli metros highlights the challenges of balancing development priorities. As these projects evolve, the State Government’s ability to manage resources and address regional needs will be key to ensuring sustainable growth across Tamil Nadu.

Stay tuned for updates on Tamil Nadu’s metro developments at Trichymetro.com