Part of the Coimbatore Transport hub.
Coimbatore Metro status, 17 October 2026: not approved, and no construction has started. The Union government has turned down the proposal twice, in November 2025 and July 2026, mainly over the population rule in the Metro Rail Policy 2017. Tamil Nadu asked again on 11 October 2026. The Phase 1 plan has two routes, about 34.8 km with 32 stations: Ukkadam to Neelambur via the airport, and Coimbatore Junction to Valiyampalayam Pirivu.
Coimbatore Metro route: Phase 1 corridors in the DPR
| Corridor | From | To | Length | Main road |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corridor 1 | Ukkadam bus stand | Neelambur (via the airport) | 20.4 km | Avinashi Road |
| Corridor 2 | Coimbatore railway junction | Valiyampalayam Pirivu | 14.4 km | Sathyamangalam Road |
| Total | about 34.8 km, 32 stations | Rs 10,740 crore (DPR estimate) |
Routes and lengths are from CMRL’s detailed project report (DPR), as reported by Swarajya and DT Next in December 2024. CMRL has not published the DPR online.
Coimbatore Metro stations list
The DPR proposes 32 stations. No official station list has been published. Newspaper reports name these as possible stations:
- Ukkadam Bus Stand
- Coimbatore Junction
- Ram Nagar
- Gandhipuram Bus Stand
- Saravanampatti
- Coimbatore Medical College
- Coimbatore Airport
Current status (October 2026)
- DPR: CMRL handed the detailed project report to the Tamil Nadu government on 14 July 2023. The state forwarded it to the Union government in 2024.
- First rejection: in a letter dated 14 November 2025, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) returned the Coimbatore and Madurai proposals. It cited the Metro Rail Policy 2017 guideline of at least 20 lakh people (Coimbatore had 15.84 lakh in the 2011 Census), questioned the ridership estimate of about 5.9 lakh a day, and suggested a bus rapid transit system (BRTS) instead.
- Second rejection: Tamil Nadu sent a renewed request in May 2026. MoHUA turned it down in a letter dated 22 July 2026, again relying on 2011 Census figures and citing trip lengths and the feeder bus network.
- Latest: on 11 October 2026, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the Coimbatore and Madurai proposals.
- On the ground: in February 2025 CMRL sanctioned Rs 154 crore to buy a 1.1 km strip on Sathy Road at Ganapathy (Textool flyover to Surya Hospital junction). We found no tender, foundation stone or civil work.
Coimbatore Metro timeline
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| Nov 2019 | Feasibility report (Systra MVA and RITES) submitted to CMRL: 136 km over 4 corridors |
| Feb 2021 | Interim budget allocates Rs 6,683 crore for the project |
| Apr 2022 | Tamil Nadu approves the feasibility report: 139 km in 3 phases, Phase I about 44 km on Avinashi Road and Sathyamangalam Road |
| 20 Mar 2023 | Tamil Nadu Budget 2023-24 announces the metro at Rs 9,000 crore along Avinashi Road and Sathyamangalam Road |
| 14 Jul 2023 | CMRL submits the DPR to the Tamil Nadu government |
| 2024 | DPR forwarded to the Union government; Phase 1 now 34.8 km, 32 stations, Rs 10,740 crore. Mobility plan and alternatives reports follow in December |
| Feb 2025 | CMRL sanctions Rs 154 crore for land on Sathy Road at Ganapathy |
| 14 Nov 2025 | MoHUA returns the DPR (population criterion) |
| 22 Nov 2025 | Chief Minister M.K. Stalin writes to the Prime Minister seeking a review |
| 17 Feb 2026 | Interim budget 2026-27 says the state keeps urging the Centre to reconsider |
| May 2026 | Tamil Nadu sends a renewed request |
| 22 Jul 2026 | MoHUA rejects it a second time |
| 11 Oct 2026 | Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay asks the Prime Minister to reconsider |
Sources (checked 17 October 2026)
Most of these facts come from newspaper reports. MoHUA’s letters and the DPR are not published online, and CMRL’s website has no Coimbatore page.
- CMRL on X, 14 July 2023: DPR handed to the Tamil Nadu government
- DT Next, December 2024: 34.8 km, 32 stations, Rs 10,740 crore, land needs
- DT Next, November 2024: DPR forwarded to the Union government
- Swarajya, December 2024: corridor end points and lengths
- DT Next, December 2024: possible station names
- Swarajya, February 2025: Rs 154 crore land sanction
- The Quint, November 2025 and Metro Rail News, November 2025: the first rejection and its grounds
- DT Next, 22 November 2025: Chief Minister’s letter seeking review
- DT Next, February 2026: interim budget 2026-27
- DT Next, July 2026 and Swarajya, July 2026: the second rejection
- IANS via Punjab Kesari, 11 October 2026: Chief Minister Vijay’s request
- Indian Infrastructure, 2019 and 2022, Construction World, 2021: earlier milestones
Older plans and reports (2019–2023)
The sections below are from the 2023 version of this page. They describe earlier proposals and are kept for reference. Where they differ from the status and route above, the sections above are current.
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 2023 version of this page described 5 lines and 147 km, with first-phase corridors from PSG Foundry to Ukkadam Bus Stand and Collectorate to Valiyampalayam Pirivu. We found no source for those figures. The 2019 feasibility study proposed 136 km in 4 corridors, the 2022 approval 139 km in 3 phases, and the current DPR corridors are listed above.
In 2023 the Tamil Nadu government announced 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. CMRL submitted the DPR to the state government on 14 July 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.
கோவை மெட்ரோ ரயில் திட்டம்… 39 கி.மீ தூரம்.. 32 ஸ்டேஷன்கள் - வெளியான அப்டேட்..! | KOVAI | METRO
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.
9,000 கோடி மதிப்பீட்டில் கோவையில் மெட்ரோ ரயில் சேவை | Metro In Coimbatore | IBC Tamil | TN Budget
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.
Older timeline notes (from the 2023 page, not verified)
- 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.
Earlier route proposals (superseded)
This map and these lines were published on this page in 2023. They are earlier long-term proposals, not the current DPR. The 5-line, 147 km total could not be verified.
Let’s take a closer look at the proposed routes for each phase:
Earlier Phase 1 description (not supported by current sources)
- Corridor 1: Vellalore Bus Terminal to PSG Foundry (26 stations)
- Corridor 2: Collectorate to Valiyampalayam Pirivu (13 stations)
The current DPR corridors are Ukkadam to Neelambur and Coimbatore Junction to Valiyampalayam Pirivu (see the table at the top).
Earlier long-term lines
- 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.
Earlier proposed routes (2019 feasibility-era lines)
| 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 announced, and the project is not yet approved (October 2026). These details will be determined closer to the start of commercial operations.
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.
