CMRL likely to begin preliminary work for Coimbatore Metro Rail Project in early 2025

Coimbatore, India (Metro Rail Today): The much-awaited Coimbatore Metro Rail Project is set to take off in January-February 2025, as announced by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) Managing Director, MA Siddique, on 24th December 2024. Speaking to the media after a stakeholder meeting, Siddique revealed that the Union Government is expected to grant final approval soon for the project, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase 1 already completed.

““Preliminary work for the Coimbatore Metro Rail Project will start in January-February 2025. A pillar would be installed for every 30 metres. In order to minimise land acquisition, we’ve planned to construct the pillars on the edge of the road and half viaduct will be on top of the road. The Coimbatore Metro Rail will have a 3-coach rail that can accommodate 700 passengers instead of a 4-coach rail like in Chennai,” said Siddique.

Phase 1 of the Coimbatore Metro will feature two key corridors: Avinashi Road and Sathyamangalam Road, with an estimated cost of ₹10,740 crore. Siddique outlined the project timeline, noting that the land acquisition process will take up to two years, followed by a three-year construction period.

The metro will be developed along the northern side of Avinashi Road, spanning from VOC Ground to Neelambur, with key areas like PRS Grounds, Peelamedu Police Station, and Coimbatore Medical College involved in the land acquisition. A total of 10 hectares will be acquired for the metro corridors, and 16 hectares of land will be reserved for a depot and service station in Neelambur.

To minimize land acquisition, the CMRL plans to install pillars every 30 meters along the route, with half of the viaduct constructed above the road. The Coimbatore Metro will feature a 3-coach rail with a capacity of 700 passengers, smaller than the 4-coach trains used in Chennai Metro.

With this project set to transform urban mobility in Coimbatore, the commencement of work in 2025 promises a new era of connectivity for the city.