The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore (ICCIC), has asked Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to approve the revival of the Coimbatore Metro Rail Detailed Project Report (DPR), with updates on the city’s current population and economic growth.

The Chamber also urged that the DPR be finalised in coordination with both the Central and State Governments.

Highlighting Coimbatore as a key economic hub in textiles, engineering, pumps, IT, healthcare, education, and tourism, ICCIC said the city needs a modern metro system to improve industrial mobility and boost productivity.

The Chamber stressed the importance of a time-bound plan for DPR finalisation, Cabinet approval, funding, and project launch.

“Similar representations have been submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Managing Director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL),” the Chamber said in a press release.

In the letter sent to authorities, ICCIC noted that Coimbatore, often called the Industrial Capital of Tamil Nadu, the Textile Valley of India, and a rapidly growing technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and education hub, is facing severe mobility constraints that threaten its long-term economic competitiveness.

The letter contains the following:

Why Metro Rail Is Needed

  • Population Growth: Current population ~28–32 lakh; projected to exceed 40 lakh by 2030. Rapid urban expansion and migration are increasing transport demand.
  • Traffic Congestion: Peak-hour speeds in major corridors like Avinashi, Trichy, Mettupalayam, and Sathy Roads are just 14–18 km/h, with high vehicle growth rates.
  • Economic Impact: Without a metro, industries, IT parks, and MSMEs could face reduced productivity.

Reasons for Project Delay

  • Earlier DPR not aligned with land availability
  • Viability concerns without airport integration
  • Need for financial reassessment
  • Requirement for stakeholder approvals

ICCIC said these issues can be resolved with an updated DPR and coordinated action by HUDD and MoHUA.

Chamber’s Requests

  • Approve the revival of the DPR with revisions.
  • Appoint Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) as the nodal agency in coordination with DMRC.
  • Conduct joint review meetings with HUDD (Housing and Urban Development Department), Coimbatore Corporation, District Administration, and industry bodies.
  • Seek Central Government support under Metro Rail Policy, 2017, for Phase-1 funding.
  • Ensure a clear timeline for DPR finalisation, Cabinet approval, funding, and project start.

Benefits of the Metro

  • Economic: Reduced congestion costs (~₹1,800–2,000 crore annually), higher productivity, and more investment.
  • Environmental: Lower CO₂ emissions, improved air quality, and reduced fuel use.
  • Social: Safer, accessible transport for students, women, and senior citizens, with better last-mile connectivity.

The Chamber said it will coordinate with industries, academic institutions, hospitals, and NGOs to support DPR planning, public awareness, and stakeholder consultations.

ICCIC appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to approve the Coimbatore Metro Rail Project soon, starting with the revival of the DPR.