INDIA, November 2025 — The development of large-scale urban transit systems like Metro Rail in India is often contingent on meeting specific population thresholds, reflecting the significant investment and projected ridership required for such projects. Recent decisions by the Union government highlight these stringent criteria, impacting major cities' aspirations for advanced public transportation networks.

In a communication dated November 14, 2025, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs officially rejected the Metro Rail project proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai. The primary justification cited was that both cities failed to meet the mandated population requirement of 2 million residents, based on the 2011 census data. Coimbatore's population was recorded at 15.84 lakh, and Madurai's at 15 lakh, falling short of the threshold stipulated by the Metro Rail Policy of 2017.

Consequently, the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for both proposed Metro lines have been returned. The government suggested that alternative, more cost-effective urban transport solutions, such as a robust Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and enhanced bus services, might be better suited for these cities' current needs and long-term sustainability. This decision redirects focus towards optimizing existing public transport infrastructure rather than immediate large-scale rail expansion.

The rejection has drawn criticism, with some local representatives expressing disappointment and alleging that the decision was made on flimsy grounds, especially considering Coimbatore was identified as a potential Metro city as early as 2010. The outcome also contrasts with the operational Metro services in other tier-two cities like Jaipur, Kochi, and Nagpur, which have similar population profiles. This situation underscores the critical role of demographic data in shaping national infrastructure policy and highlights the ongoing debate around appropriate transit solutions for India's diverse urban landscape.

Source: The Hindu