Trichy Metro Project Delayed as State Prioritises Other Cities

The Trichy metro project, estimated at Rs 10,917 crore, has taken a back seat despite the completion of a detailed feasibility report (DFR) over a year ago. Although the report, submitted in August 2023, confirmed that a metro system would be viable in the city, Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) has yet to begin work on the detailed project report (DPR) needed to advance the plan.

State Focus Shifts to Other Cities

According to sources within CMRL, metro projects in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai have taken precedence, leaving Trichy’s metro aspirations on hold. Although recent studies and inspections have been conducted for metro proposals in Coimbatore and Madurai, the Trichy metro project remains sidelined.

Proposed Metro Corridors in Trichy

The Trichy metro plan proposes two key corridors spanning a total of 45 km:

Corridor 1: 19 km from Samayapuram to Vayalur with 19 metro stations
Corridor 2: 26 km from Thuvakudi to Panjapur, featuring 26 stations

Benefits and Urgency of the Metro

Despite the clear benefits and the completion of the feasibility studies, the project has yet to make significant strides. Trichy, known for its rich history and growing population, is one of Tamil Nadu’s key urban centres. As the city continues to expand, the need for efficient and modern transport systems becomes even more pressing.

The introduction of the metro would not only reduce congestion but also improve overall connectivity within the city and neighbouring regions.

Technical Readiness vs. Financial Challenges

There are no major technical hurdles preventing the project from moving forward. Senior officials from CMRL have pointed out that the metro corridors in Trichy would not face significant overlaps with existing infrastructure, such as flyovers or overbridges, which would simplify the construction process.

Nevertheless, the main obstacle remains the funding for the project. With no immediate action from the state government, the Trichy metro plan is expected to remain on hold for the time being. A senior CMRL official mentioned, “For now, the project is not on the fast track. The state government has yet to prioritise the metro for Trichy, and arranging the necessary funds remains a major challenge.”

Looking Ahead

The delay in the Trichy metro project underscores the challenges of urban planning and infrastructure development in India. While Coimbatore and Madurai have been given priority, Trichy, despite being a city of significant strategic importance, has yet to receive the same level of attention.

Local residents and business owners alike are hopeful that the state government will eventually realise the necessity of the metro project and make it a part of its broader urban transport strategy.

As the state’s metro initiatives in other cities progress, Trichy’s residents remain optimistic that the state will eventually turn its attention to their city’s transportation needs. For now, however, the wait continues. The Trichy metro project, while deemed feasible and essential, continues to be delayed due to prioritisation and funding issues.