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HomeInfrastructureMadras HC Leaves Decision on Metro Extension to Melur to Government

Madras HC Leaves Decision on Metro Extension to Melur to Government

Madras HC Leaves Decision on Metro Extension to Melur to Government

he Madras High Court has ruled that the Tamil Nadu government will have the final say on whether the Chennai Metro Rail project should be extended to Melur, a town near Madurai, in response to growing traffic congestion and safety concerns. The court’s decision followed the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate B Stalin, who urged that the proposed metro extension should include Melur, citing the area’s significant commercial activity and frequent road accidents.

The petition drew attention to the Madurai metro project, which had already made considerable progress under the leadership of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the agency responsible for implementing the project. CMRL had completed a detailed project report (DPR), outlining a proposed 32-kilometre metro line stretching from Othakadai to Thirumangalam, with 27 stations along the way. Of the total distance, 27 kilometres would be covered by elevated tracks, while the remaining 5 kilometres would be underground. At an estimated cost of ₹11,360 crore, the metro project aims to alleviate the city’s severe traffic woes by providing a modern, efficient public transport system. However, the petitioner highlighted a major oversight in the planning process—the exclusion of the Melur region, which has a dense network of commercial establishments. Stalin argued that the Othakadai to Melur stretch experiences extreme traffic congestion, with frequent accidents that pose significant risks to residents and commuters.

In their ruling, a division bench of Justices M S Ramesh and A D Maria Clete observed that the matter raised by the petitioner was ultimately a policy decision for the government to address. They clarified that the court would not intervene in directing the government to include the Melur extension in the project. Instead, the judges stated that the government should consider the petitioner’s request on its merits and in accordance with the law. As a result, the court closed the petition, leaving the door open for the Tamil Nadu government to make an informed decision on the matter. This ruling marks a significant moment for urban development in Madurai, as the metro rail project has the potential to reshape the city’s transportation landscape and improve the quality of life for its residents.

The growing traffic congestion in Madurai has long been a source of frustration for residents, with many commuters experiencing long travel times and unsafe road conditions. The metro project is seen as a much-needed solution to ease these issues, and expanding the network to Melur could further enhance its impact. For now, all eyes are on the Tamil Nadu government, which must weigh the arguments presented in the PIL, assess the potential benefits of extending the metro to Melur, and make a decision that balances urban development with the needs of the local population. Whether the extension will proceed or not remains to be seen, but the Madras High Court has made it clear that the government holds the power to determine the project’s future scope. As the city continues to grow and evolve, infrastructure projects like the metro are vital to keeping pace with increasing demand. The hope is that, whatever decision the government makes, it will prioritise safety, convenience, and long-term sustainability for the residents of Madurai and the surrounding areas.

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