Stalin Urges PM Modi to Reconsider Metro Rail Rejections, Citing Urban Growth and Public Resentment

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has formally expressed his disappointment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Centre’s rejection of proposed Metro Rail projects for Coimbatore and Madurai, describing the decision as a cause of deep public resentment in the two cities. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Stalin emphasized the imperative for high-capacity public transport options in rapidly urbanizing cities, noting that Tamil Nadu is the most urbanised state in India with a high rate of private vehicle ownership.

Stalin pointed out that the Detailed Project Reports for the Metro proposals had been submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) but were rejected, citing criteria such as minimum local population thresholds as the primary reason. He disputed the application of the two-million population criterion, noting that Coimbatore’s Local Planning Authority area exceeded this figure as early as 2011, with Madurai’s population anticipated to cross the mark currently. He argued that similar criteria have not been uniformly applied, with other Tier-II cities like Agra, Indore, and Patna receiving metro approvals despite comparable demographics. The selective application, he said, created an impression of discrimination against Tamil Nadu.

Further, Stalin criticized MoHUA’s comparison of ridership projections for Coimbatore with those of Chennai, highlighting that commuting patterns differ extensively among cities. The Comprehensive Mobility Plans conducted for both Coimbatore and Madurai had independently justified the need for Metro systems in these growing urban centers. He also addressed concerns about land acquisition, assuring that Tamil Nadu had adopted fair compensation practices and that availability of land would not hinder the projects.

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Reiterating his commitment to these projects, Stalin offered to meet the Prime Minister personally in New Delhi, accompanied by his team, to detail the technical and socio-economic justifications for the Metro corridors, emphasizing their importance in sustaining the industrial and cultural vibrancy of the regions. He sought urgent reconsideration of the proposals, stressing that urban growth demands reliable public transport solutions to drive inclusive development and reduce congestion.

This appeal comes amid Tamil Nadu’s rapid urbanization, with nearly 48.5 percent of its population living in urban areas—the highest among Indian states—fueling demand for modern transit infrastructure. The state government’s sustained efforts reflect an intent to elevate public transport facilities across its major cities, matching economic growth and population density. The final decision on these projects will be closely watched, given their potential impact on regional development and public welfare.

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