INDIA bloc flays Centre for scrapping Madurai-Coimbatore Metro bid
INDIA bloc flays Centre for scrapping Madurai-Coimbatore Metro bid
Protesters urge the Centre to rethink its decision to return the Madurai-Coimbatore Metro proposals, arguing population rules unfairly punish Tamil Nadu.
Protesters organized by INDIA bloc gathered in Madurai on Friday to condemn the Union Government’s decision to return the Metro Rail proposals for Madurai and Coimbatore, arguing that the 20 lakh population threshold is being misapplied and unfair to Tamil Nadu.
Senior DMK leader Pon Muthuramalingam told the crowd that the government had not offered a valid reason for denying the projects, calling the 20-lakh rule a 'fake argument' and pointing out that cities such as Patna and Agra received approvals despite smaller populations.
He argued that Coimbatore, often described as the Manchester of South India, has a vast network and global links, while Madurai’s long history and tourist spots make the case for mass transit strong. He stressed that the two cities deserve a metro despite the Centre’s stance.
Other speakers, including CPI(M) leader Madukur Ramalingam, recalled past disappointments over archaeological digs at Keeladi and early moves on AIIMS in Madurai, suggesting that political motives influence infrastructure decisions.
Congress district president Karthikeyan joined the chorus, criticizing the Centre for what he described as betrayals of Tamil Nadu on development projects and urging a reconsideration of the Metro Rail plan.
DMK leaders asserted that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin would press the Centre until both Madurai and Coimbatore receive a metro rail, framing the issue as a matter of regional rights and national growth.
While the protest focused on the two Tamil Nadu cities, speakers urged that revised proposals be submitted and national urban transit planning be guided by the needs of Tamil Nadu’s residents.
Cover image source: Chief Minister Stalin will bring Metro Rail to Coimbatore, Madurai, says Senthilbalaji 🔗
