Pune, 23 June 2025: The trend of renaming places has gained momentum across the country since the BJP came to power, with many cities and railway stations undergoing name changes. In Maharashtra, after Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh was renamed Prayagraj, Aurangabad and Osmanabad were renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Dharashiv respectively. Recently, Ahmednagar was renamed Ahilyanagar, which the ruling party said was done respecting public sentiments.

Now, there is a fresh demand to rename the Pune railway station. BJP MP Medha Kulkarni has raised this issue during a meeting of Pune and Solapur railway division officials held in Pune today. All MPs from the respective districts were present at the meeting.

Speaking about the matter, Kulkarni said she brought up various issues related to Pune railway station and the city. One key point was the long-standing demand from various groups to rename Pune Junction after Shrimant Thorle Bajirao Peshwa. She highlighted that globally, railway stations and airports are often named to reflect local history, helping citizens connect with their heritage.

Kulkarni stressed that while Pune is a prominent city known for its education, culture, and IT sector, its railway station does not showcase its historical significance. She believes naming the station after Bajirao Peshwa would honour Pune’s rich past and cultural pride.

Last year, the state government approved a proposal in the Legislative Council to rename seven railway stations in Mumbai, including stations under Central, Western, and Harbour railway lines. After this, the demand for renaming Pune Junction has gathered momentum once again.