Delhi Metro Stations Undergo Official Renaming Following State Authority Approval
In a significant administrative move, two key stations on the Delhi Metro network have received new official names. The State Naming Authority (SNA), chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved the renaming of Mayur Vihar Pocket-I metro station to Shri Ram Mandir Mayur Vihar and Pitampura metro station to Madhuban Chowk.
Implementation and Historical Context
Following the formal approval, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has promptly updated all relevant signage and passenger information boards at both stations. The Shri Ram Mandir Mayur Vihar station, which originally opened in December 2018 as part of Phase III of the Delhi Metro expansion, serves as a crucial transit hub for east Delhi commuters.
This station is situated on the network's longest corridor, effectively connecting residential neighborhoods with major commercial centers while offering a reliable alternative to the area's frequently congested arterial roads.
Political Advocacy and Public Demand
The renaming initiative was driven by persistent public demand and political advocacy. Trilokpuri MLA Ravikant Ujjain explained that the proximity of a temple to one of the station's gates made the change a long-standing community request.
"For years, residents have advocated for the station to be renamed after the temple, but previous administrations did not act. Over the last six months, I have actively pursued this matter, including direct discussions with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and submitting formal written requests. This renaming represents the fulfillment of a genuine and widespread public demand," Ujjain stated.
Role of the State Naming Authority
The State Naming Authority is a statutory body established by the Delhi government with specific responsibilities:
- Overseeing the naming and renaming of streets, parks, colonies, and other geographical entities within the National Capital Territory.
- Excluding areas under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) from its jurisdiction.
The committee's structure includes:
- The Chief Minister as Chairperson
- The Chief Secretary as a member
- The Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary/Secretary (Urban Development) serving as Member-Secretary
The SNA possesses the authority to invite historians, academics, or subject experts as special invitees when their expertise is deemed necessary for specific naming decisions.
Future Naming Proposals
In related developments, officials have revealed that two under-construction stations on the Magenta Line have proposed names that better reflect their geographical locations:
- North Pitampura–Prashant Vihar station
- Haiderpur Village Metro Station
These proposed names aim to align station identifiers more closely with their adjoining localities, continuing a trend toward more descriptive and locally relevant station nomenclature across the expanding metro network.
