Madurai, Coimbatore Metro: What's Delaying Approval & When to Expect It

The Madurai and Coimbatore Metro Rail projects are likely to get central government approval within the next six to nine months.

Madurai-Coimbatore Metro News Update

The two projects, valued at ₹11,360 crore for Madurai and ₹10,740 crore for Coimbatore, were submitted as a combined proposal to streamline the approval and execution processes, the Times of India reported, citing Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) managing director M A Siddique.

He explained that combining the proposals helps in managing procurement and design processes more efficiently. For instance, purchasing trains and signaling systems involves lengthy design phases, which can be expedited by treating both projects as one. Although separate detailed project reports (DPRs) were submitted, the unified approach aims to fast-track approvals.

Siddique also spoke about delays in the approval process, noting that modifications were made based on recommendations from the central government. "The proposal is first sent to the ministry of housing and urban affairs, which consults with other ministries, including finance, and advisory bodies like NITI Aayog. Once approved, the state and central govts will seek international funding from agencies like JICA or ADB. The funds will be disbursed in phases, but we need a commitment from financing agencies for the project to proceed," the English daily quoted him as saying.

What's Delaying Approval & When to Expect It

He highlighted the time-intensive nature of large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly land acquisition and utility relocation, such as shifting electricity lines, water pipelines, and drainage systems. Utility relocation alone accounts for about 10% of the project cost and can take nearly two years, prompting early initiation of these processes. Similar utility planning will soon begin in Coimbatore in coordination with local authorities, the report said.

Addressing concerns about the impact on heritage structures, Siddique assured that the metro alignment complies with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) guidelines and maintains a distance of over 100 meters from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Regarding a proposed metro station near AIIMS Madurai, he clarified that it was excluded from this phase to avoid redesigning the DPR and causing further delays.

In terms of timelines, Siddique estimated that underground sections would take about 4.5 years to complete, while elevated stretches would require 3 to 3.5 years. Siddique also noted that approximately 38.21 hectares of land will be acquired for the Madurai metro corridor, with 20.23 hectares earmarked for stations and depots.

Chennai Metro News

Meanwhile, the Chennai Metro connectivity will reportedly be extended till Kodambakkam via a double decker. It is expected to reach areas such as Alapakkam and Karambakkam, Light House to Poonamallee and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur, according to a report in The Hindu.