Will Coimbatore, Madurai get Metro? Centres detailed reply in Parliament

New Delhi: Responding to a query in the Lok Sabha, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has stated that the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the proposed metro rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai have been returned to the Tamil Nadu government for revision, and no approval has been granted yet.

The clarification came during the monsoon session in reply to a question raised by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, who sought an update on the status of the two major urban transport initiatives. Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, provided a detailed written response outlining the reasons for the delay.

Coimbatore, Madurai Metro: "DPRs returned for revision"

The minister explained that the DPRs submitted by the state government are under examination. However, during review, certain deficiencies and necessary additions were identified. The reports were subsequently sent back to Tamil Nadu for modifications.

According to the Centre, the DPRs required additional information and corrections on several fronts, including financial details, passenger traffic assessment, cost recovery mechanisms, and alignment with urban development goals. This need for revision has contributed to the delay in granting formal approval.

No "fast-track” approval for any Metro project: Centre

In its response, the central government explicitly denied that any metro project in the country has ever received "fast-track” approval. The ministry emphasised that due to the massive investments involved, metro rail proposals undergo a rigorous, multi-stage, and multi-disciplinary evaluation process.

Factors such as project viability, financial implications, projected ridership, and long-term urban impact are thoroughly scrutinised before a decision is made. An annexure provided with the reply listed DPRs submitted by various states over the last 11 years, along with their submission dates, approval timelines, and funding patterns, highlighting that scrutiny periods vary.

Path Forward

When questioned whether DPRs are reviewed in a uniform, impartial, and time-bound manner, the Centre stated that while a systematic multi-stage process is firmly in place, it is not feasible to impose strict time limits on projects of such scale and investment. However, it assured that proposals are examined in an expedited fashion.

The ball is now in the Tamil Nadu government’s court to address the flagged shortcomings and resubmit the revised DPRs. Public expectations for the Coimbatore and Madurai metro projects remain high. The state’s prompt revision and re-submission could determine how soon the projects move closer to receiving the crucial central sanction and funding approval.