Heritage vs. Development: A Clash Over Metro Station Names in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has called for a reconsideration of the proposed names for stations along three Metro lines in the Thane and Bhayandar areas. In a letter to Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde, Sarnaik stressed the importance of maintaining the local heritage and cultural identity, particularly of the fishermen and tribal communities, according to an official release.

Sarnaik criticized the MMRDA for deciding on the station names for Metro 4, Metro 9, and Metro 10 lines without engaging the local populace. He alleged some station names were chosen based on real estate projects developed by private builders, raising significant concerns about a lack of community representation in the decision-making process.

To honor local culture, Sarnaik proposed the Dongri car shed be named after the ancient Velankanni Devi Temple and the Mogharpada car shed after Kaparadev, a revered local deity, underscoring the need to integrate cultural significance in infrastructural developments.

(With inputs from agencies.)