Tamil NaduSunday, 26 July 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Centre again rejects Metro Rail for Coimbatore and Madurai, backs BRTS plan
The Centre has again rejected Metro Rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai and recommended Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) instead.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs again rejected Tamil Nadu’s Metro Rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai, and suggested a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) instead.
Key specifics
- The Centre had first rejected the Metro Rail request in November 2025.
- The 2011 Census population threshold mentioned was 2 million.
- The State wrote again to the Centre in May 2026 seeking Metro Rail for both cities.
- The Ministry said BRTS could be built as elevated or at-grade in both cities.
- Jaipur Metro Phase-2 was approved by the Cabinet in April 2026.
Exam lens
Urban transport and governance question, Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Rail rejection, 2011 Census 2 million criterion, November 2025 and May 2026 correspondence, and BRTS as the alternative are the key TNPSC points.