Introduction
The Coimbatore Metro, also known as Kovai Metro, is a proposed mass rapid transit system (MRTS) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It is a significant project that aims to enhance the transportation infrastructure and connectivity of the city. The metro project has been in the planning stage since 2011, with the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) taking the lead in its implementation.
The project is planned to have 5 lines, covering a total track length of 147 km. The first phase of the project will focus on constructing two corridors that will connect major landmarks in the city. These corridors include PSG Foundry to Ukkadam Bus Stand and Collectorate to Valiyampalayam Pirivu.
Funding for the Coimbatore Metro has been secured, with the Tamil Nadu government allocating Rs 9,000 crore for the project. The Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (CMRL) has been entrusted with the task of preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed routes. The DPR is expected to be completed by June 2023.
Once completed, the Coimbatore Metro is expected to have a significant impact on the city’s transportation system. It will enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and alleviate traffic congestion. The metro system will provide a convenient and efficient mode of transportation for both residents and tourists.
The Coimbatore Metro will provide an efficient way to visit these attractions and explore the city’s offerings at a reasonable fare.
Overall, the Coimbatore Metro project represents a remarkable transformation in the city’s transportation infrastructure. It is set to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and contribute to the overall development and growth of Coimbatore.
Tamil Nadu Budget 2023 – Coimbatore Metro
On March 20th, Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan unveiled the budget for the state, which included significant allocations for infrastructure development.
Among them, an estimated budget of Rs 9,000 crore was proposed for the Coimbatore Metro, focusing on the stretch between Avinashi Road and Sathyamangalam Road.
Additionally, Rs 8,500 crore was earmarked for the Madurai Metro, specifically for the section spanning Thirumangalam and Othakadai.
This announcement by the Tamil Nadu government highlights their commitment to enhancing public transportation and promoting urban growth in these cities.
Coimbatore Metro Development Timeline
- In 2011, the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that they were going to build a Metro in Coimbatore.
- In 2013, a survey was done by a person named E. Sreedharan, who is an engineer and also a politician.
- In 2017, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Eddapaddi K. Palaniswami, got permission from the State and Central governments for the Coimbatore Metro. The Railway Minister, Suresh Prabhu, announced that the Central Ministry would provide money for the project. The CMRL (Chennai Metro Rail Limited) was chosen to plan the project.
- In 2018, five companies were picked by KFW Company to make a detailed plan for the Metro.
- In 2019, a study was done to check if building the Metro was possible.
- In 2020, people discussed how to start building the Metro in a meeting of the CMRL. They also proposed adding a fifth line to go from Vellore to Ukkadam.
- In 2021, a lot of money (Rs 6,683 crore) was aside build the Coimbatore Metro. They also tested the route they planned to.
- In 2022, they said that the detailed plan for the Metro was finished. also decided on the first phase of the, which would be 44 kilometers long and go on Avinashi and Sathyamangalam Road- In 202, the State government gave Rs 9000 crore to build both the Madurai and Coimbatore.
Coimbatore Metro Route Map
The Coimbatore Metro project will be implemented in three phases, and upon completion, it will comprise five metro lines covering a total track length of 147 kilometers.
Let’s take a closer look at the proposed routes for each phase:
Kovai Metro Phase 1
- Corridor 1: Vellalore Bus Terminal to PSG Foundry (26 stations)
- Corridor 2: Collectorate to Valiyampalayam Pirivu (13 stations)
Kovai Metro Phase 2
- Red Line – Line 1: Kaniyur to Ukkadam Bus Stand
- Yellow Line – Line 2: Bilichi to Ukkadam Bus Stand
- Blue Line – Line 3: Karanampettai to Thanneerpanthal
- Green Line – Line 4: Ganeshapuram to Karunyanagar
- Pink Line – Line 5: Ukkadam to Vellalore
- Phase 3 details are yet to be revealed.
Coimbatore Metro Proposed Routes
| Line | Length | Type | Alignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line-1 – Kaniyur to Ukkadam Bus Stand | 26 km | Elevated | Along Avinashi Road |
| Line-2 – Bilichi to Ukkadam Bus Stand | 24 km | Elevated | Along Mettupalayam Road |
| Line-3 – Karanampettai to Thannerpanthal | 42 km | Elevated | Along Trichy Road and Thadagam Road |
| Line-4 – Ganeshapuram – Karunyanagar | 44 km | Elevated | Along Sathyamangalam Road and Perur Road |
| Line-5 – Vellalore – Ukkadam | 8 km | Elevated | Via Poddanur and NH948 |
Kovai Metro Features and Facilities
Seamless Interchanges
The Coimbatore Metro will facilitate easy interchanges at key transportation nodes such as the airport, railway junctions, and bus terminals, providing commuters with convenient connectivity.
Elevated Sections
The metro lines will primarily be elevated, allowing for smooth travel above the bustling streets of Coimbatore.
The elevated metro rail line along Avinashi Road will run parallel to the flyover, ensuring minimal disruption to the existing infrastructure.
Metro Stations
The metro stations will be equipped with modern amenities to enhance passenger comfort.
Facilities such as parking spaces, escalators, lifts, and pedestrian overbridges will be provided at various stations, ensuring easy accessibility and safety.
Phase-wise Implementation
The project will be executed in a phased manner, allowing for efficient planning, execution, and optimization of resources.
The completion of each phase will gradually improve transportation connectivity in the city.
Kovai Metro Features
Reduced Travel Time
The Coimbatore Metro will significantly reduce travel time, allowing commuters to reach their destinations quickly and efficiently.
The initial estimated travel time is expected to range from five to seven minutes.
Alleviated Traffic Congestion: With a well-connected metro network, Coimbatore will witness a reduction in traffic congestion on major roads.
The metro system will encourage people to opt for public transportation, thereby reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads.
Boost to Economic and Social Activity
The enhanced transportation infrastructure will boost economic growth and social activity in Coimbatore.
It will facilitate easy access to commercial hubs, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other key locations, benefiting both residents and businesses.
Coimbatore Metro Ticket Prices
The fare prices, structure, and rules of the Coimbatore Metro have not been finalized or announced yet. These details will be determined closer to the start of commercial operations.
Is there a metro in Coimbatore?
According to the current web page context, there is no metro in Coimbatore yet, but it is a proposed project that will be implemented in three phases. The project aims to improve transportation connectivity, reduce travel time, and alleviate traffic congestion in the city. The first phase will focus on the stretch between Avinashi Road and Sathyamangalam Road. The project has received a budget allocation of Rs 9,000 crore from the state government.
What is the Coimbatore Metro project?
The Coimbatore Metro project is a proposed public transportation system that will enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and alleviate traffic congestion in the city of Coimbatore.
How many metro lines and stations will the Coimbatore Metro have?
The Coimbatore Metro will have five metro lines covering a total track length of 147 kilometers. The metro lines will have 39 stations, with interchanges at key transportation nodes.
How much budget has been allocated for the Coimbatore Metro project?
The Tamil Nadu government has proposed a budget of Rs 9,000 crore for the Coimbatore Metro project, focusing on the stretch between Avinashi Road and Sathyamangalam Road.
What are the benefits of the Coimbatore Metro project?
The Coimbatore Metro project will bring about several benefits, such as: Reduced travel time and cost for commuters, Alleviated traffic congestion and pollution on major roads, Improved accessibility and safety for passengers & Boosted economic growth and social activity in the city.
Conclusion
The Coimbatore Metro project marks a significant milestone in the city’s development, promising enhanced connectivity, reduced travel time, and improved quality of life for its residents.
With its proposed routes, key features, and phased implementation, the metro will revolutionize transportation in Coimbatore.
As the project moves forward, it is expected to bring about a positive transformation and contribute to the overall progress of the city.
Whyn’t the proposed metro line come to the Ukkadam- Walyar route, many colleges are there on this route.
Very true it makes sense due to it.