Overview
- In a November 14 communication, the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry returned the DPRs, noting Coimbatore at 15.84 lakh and Madurai at 15 lakh in the 2011 census against the two‑million cutoff.
- The ministry said metro systems are cost‑intensive and recommended more suitable options such as robust bus networks and BRTS, with Madurai’s approved mobility plan identifying BRTS for key corridors.
- Tamil Nadu officials questioned the decision’s consistency, pointing to metro clearances in other Tier II cities like Agra, Patna and Bhopal despite lower 2011 populations.
- State filings show the DPRs and supporting analyses were submitted through 2023–2024, and the Centre told Parliament in March 2025 the proposals were under consideration before issuing the rejection.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin denounced the move as politically biased, while BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan said the state could seek reconsideration by clarifying current population data.