Pune Metro Naming Dispute: Shiv Sena Pushes for Budhwar Peth Station to Be Renamed As Kasba Peth

Recently, the Pune Metro found itself in a difficult situation when members of the Shiv Sena, led by Pune city chief Sanjay More, stormed an under-construction station near Mandai. They demanded to change the proposed name of the ”Budhwar Peth station to Kasba Peth.”

According to More, ”The station’s current name does not align with its actual location in the Kasba Peth area. Despite previous requests for a name change, no action has been taken by the state government or Pune Metro officials. More criticized the decision-making process, stating that there was a lack of proper study of the area before assigning names to stations.

This isn’t the first instance of Pune Metro being requested for a name change. Following the inauguration of its first phase in March 2022, various commuter organizations demanded that the Bhosari station be renamed Nashik Phata, which is the final stop on the metro route. Even though officials responded positively to the request, the name of the station remains the same.

The proposed Budhwar Peth station is part of the underground route from Civil Court to Swargate, set to become operational by March-end following ongoing trial runs. 

More highlighted other naming discrepancies, such as the Ruby Hall station near the Mata Ramai Ambedkar statue, and Mangalwar Peth station near the Pune regional transport office. The Shiv Sena leader emphasized the need for a thoughtful approach to naming, suggesting consideration of historical or relevant names for stations.