Chennai Metro Prioritizes Coimbatore and Madurai

28 Nov 2024 CW Team

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has prioritized metro projects for Coimbatore and Madurai, placing them at the forefront among tier-two cities in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, plans for Tiruchy and Salem have been temporarily sidelined, according to a senior official.

CMRL has already submitted the Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for both cities to the Union government. These reports are now moving through the necessary approval channels, with the Tamil Nadu government forwarding the proposals to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Department of Economic Affairs. After receiving technical approval from the Public Investment Board (PIB), the projects will be presented to the Union Cabinet for final clearance.

The Coimbatore Metro project, estimated at Rs 107.4 billion, will stretch across 39 km, featuring two lines with 32 stations, including key locations like Coimbatore Junction, Gandhipuram Bus Stand, and Coimbatore Airport. The Madurai Metro project, which carries an estimated cost of Rs 113.68 biillion, will cover 17 stations along a 25-km route, connecting vital hubs like Madurai Junction and Thirumangalam.

Additionally, the Hosur to Bommasandra metro line, which will be the first interstate metro in South India, is also progressing. A feasibility study is nearing completion, with CMRL working alongside Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) on the detailed feasibility report (DFR). The 23-km line will span both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with 12 stations planned.

However, the future of the 38-km Salem Metro and 45-km Tiruchy Metro is uncertain, as they are currently on hold due to shifting priorities. A feasibility study for the Tirunelveli project has also concluded that it is not viable at this time.

Infrastructure Transport

29 Oct 2025

Punjab, Centre Fast-Track Rajpura-Mohali Rail Line Development

The central government has fast-tracked the construction of the Rajpura-Mohali rail line to enhance connectivity in Punjab. This ambitious infrastructure project, aimed at improving transportation links between Rajpura and Mohali, has been identified as a key step in fostering regional economic growth. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project’s acceleration during a recent assessment of the area. The rail line is expected to play a significant role in reducing travel time, promoting industrial growth, and boosting logistics efficiency in the region. The project,..

NFR Launches Key Railway Projects to Boost BTAD Connectivity

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has unveiled major railway projects to enhance connectivity and economic growth in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD). These initiatives align with the national Viksit Bharat vision, focusing on regional development and job creation. A key project is the Wagon Periodic Overhauling (POH) Workshop in Basbari, Kokrajhar. The workshop, costing Rs 2.56 billion in phase one, will initially overhaul 75 wagons per month, scaling up to 250 in future phases. Its location near Basbari station and Rupsi Airport will boost logistics and local employment. ..

Aurangabad Railway Station Renamed to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Aurangabad Railway Station in Maharashtra has officially been renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station, according to a release by Central Railway on October 25, 2025. The new station code will be ‘CPSN’. This decision follows the Maharashtra government’s gazette notification on October 15, issued by the BJP-led Mahayuti government. The change aligns with the city’s renaming in 2022 under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The new name honors Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj. The renaming of the railway station comes three..