Overview
- MoHUA’s November 14 letter said Coimbatore (15.84 lakh) and Madurai (15 lakh) fall below the 2‑million city‑proper threshold set by the Metro Rail Policy 2017 and returned both DPRs.
- The ministry called metro systems cost‑intensive for cities of this size and advised strengthening bus networks and considering Bus Rapid Transit, with Madurai’s approved mobility plan already identifying BRTS.
- Chief Minister M. K. Stalin alleged political bias and called the grounds flimsy, timing his criticism with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Coimbatore.
- Tamil Nadu officials cited precedents such as Agra, Patna and Bhopal receiving metro approvals despite lower 2011 populations, while BJP leaders said the state can resubmit using urban‑agglomeration data or special justification.
- The submitted plans outlined a 31.9 km Madurai corridor estimated at about ₹11,300 crore and a 34.5 km Coimbatore network at about ₹10,700 crore, following state filings through 2023–2024.