Lobbies may be behind Metro dreams derailing

Frustration is building in the city of Coimbatore over the central government’s return of the detailed project report for its proposed metro rail system, marking a severe setback for plans long championed by local industrialists, commuters and civic groups.

- HD Bureau

The proposed system had been developed by the agency responsible for metro projects in the region and featured two corridors: one from Ukkadam Bus Terminus to Coimbatore Airport, the other from Coimbatore Junction to Valiyampalayam Pirivu. The estimated cost was in excess of 29,000 crore and aligned with a growing demand to relieve traffic congestion along key arterial roads such as Avinashi Road and Sathy Road.