Madurai Metro Route Change – New Plans & New Alignments!

The Madurai Metro project is undergoing major changes in its proposed route. A recent survey was conducted to assess modifications in the elevated track, pillars, and stations planned in the Thirumangalam area.

This comes in the wake of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) planning to construct underpasses at SIPCOT Industrial Estate and Thoppur Junction, prompting a reconsideration of the metro alignment in those regions.

🔍 Route Realignment Under Study

CMRL Project Director T. Archanan, along with officials from the National Highways Authority, conducted a detailed inspection to explore feasible alternatives. He stated that if the route is changed, land acquisition may also be necessary.

The Madurai Metro Rail Project spans 32 kilometers with 26 stations, and is being developed under the supervision of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).

🚇 Expected Benefits

This project is anticipated to make a significant impact on the urban transportation development of Madurai. According to the Central Government, the Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for Madurai and Coimbatore metros are currently under evaluation by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, following submission by the Tamil Nadu Government.

🚧 What Will Change?

The Madurai Corporation’s approval is required to remove shops in several areas.
Following that, central government clearance must be obtained.
Consultations with multiple industrial stakeholders and signing of various agreements are still pending.
As per current projections, construction work is expected to begin by the end of next year.
The metro will operate with three-coach trains, similar to the Chennai Metro.
The full project is estimated to take 3 years to complete, with completion expected by 2027.

🛤️ Underground Segment Introduced

Originally, the metro was planned to be entirely elevated, built on viaducts. However, a new decision has been made to include an underground section:

5 kilometers of underground tunnels will now be part of the project.
These will pass through dense city areas and temple zones.
Key parts of the city, including heritage zones, will now feature tunnel-based metro lines.

🗺️ Revised Route Overview (Thirumangalam to Othakadai):

The revised metro route will cover major zones including:

Thirumangalam, Kappalur Toll Plaza, Dharmathupatti, Thoppur, Thirunagar, Thirupparankundram, Pasumalai, Vasantha Nagar, Madura College, Madurai Junction, Simmakkal, Keelavasal, Dakshina Vaasal, Koodal Nagar, Police Commissioner’s Office, K. Pudur, Mattuthavani, Uthangudi, High Court Bench, and Othakadai.